Brett Stewart and Daly Cherry-Evans put in masterful performances as Manly reinforced why they should be considered a top-eight threat with a convincing 30-10 win over Newcastle on Sunday.
The Sea Eagles' No.1 and No.7 had a hand in all of the Sea Eagles' points at Brookvale Oval as Manlyregistered their second win in a row, however remained last on the ladder because of their poor for and against.
Manly got on the board first when Jorge Taufua found himself on the end of some quick hands, then Stewart produced big plays at both ends of the field.
First, on the back of a Cherry-Evans break, Stewart scooped up Peta Hiku's grubber to score his 150th career try. Minutes later he came up with a desperate try-saving tackle on James McManus.
When McManus made a mess of a Jamie Lyon kick, handing over possession in prime field position, Cherry-Evans sent Ligi Sao over as the home side went into the break up 18-0.
Newcastle struck first in the second half through McManus, however most of the second stanza was the DCE and Stewart show.
Stewart got his second on the back of a Cherry-Evans 40/20 in the 56th minute, nine minutes later Stewart turned provider, throwing the last pass as Cherry-Evans crossed.
The Knights scored a consolation try through Tariq Sims but it wasn't enough to avoid their fifth straight loss.
