NRL: Manly beat Cronulla in preseason

Josie Hawkins of the Sea Eagles is tackled by the Sharks defence during the NRL trial match. Photo / Getty Images

David Williams produced the perfect return from injury, scoring a double in his first game in more than a year in Manly's 18-0 NRL trial victory over Cronulla.

"The Wolfman" opened the scoring with his first touch of the ball on Friday night when he pounced on a pin-point grubber from utility forward Terence Seuseu in the 11th minute.

Williams was in again 20 minutes into the second half, capitalising on some good lead-up work from Joe Galuvao to crash over and cap off the dream return.

But it was in the 35th minute that Williams' shoulder overcame its biggest test as he was crunched by two Cronulla enforcers, before bouncing up and high-fiving team-mates.

It was a welcome result for the former NSW and Australian representative who missed all of 2010 with successive shoulder injuries, coming through unscathed despite coming off in the 76th minute.

In a clinical performance, the Sea Eagles showed their depth in the halves when Toyota Cup star Gary Riccardi put a cross-field kick which was snared by winger Michael Oldfield in the 28th minute.

Utility back Scott Blanch produced two perfect first half sideline conversions to give the Sea Eagles a 12-0 lead at half-time.

Scott Blanch slotted another sideline conversion to put the Sea Eagles further ahead.

Cronulla halfback Chad Townsend attempted to spark his team with an cheeky grubber and regather but his pass went to ground and the Sea Eagles were again out of jail.

Both teams brought out their strongest lineups in the second half and the Sharks improved tenfold, with Anthony Tupou and centre Colin Best running riot down the left flank.

A beefed up Albert Kelly caused headaches up the middle but the Sharks were unable to convert opportunities.

For Manly, Anthony Watmough ran with gusto but with a loose carry, while Tony Williams showed he hasn't lost his customary fend in the off-season - at one point sending two Cronulla defenders flying across the Brookvale turf.

- AAP m