The Serve

Manly into Grand Final

 Manly has ended a decade long grand final drought, beating North Queensland 28-6 in the first NRL preliminary final at the Sydney Football Stadium.

The Cowboys, stung by the pre-match losses of Carl Webb and Jason Smith, were simply outmanned by a rampant Manly side. The Sea Eagles couldn’t capitalise on their early dominance, having two tries disallowed in the first half, with Brett Stewart’s sneaky run from dummy half their only try in the first 40 minutes. North Queensland hit back on the stroke of half time with Jacob Lillyman crossing.

The scores were level at 6-all at the break.

Michael Monaghan has been concussed in the first half, returning in the second to play a starring role. However it was Anthony Watmough who broke the deadlock, taking a quick tap off a penalty and scurrying over the line.

The shackles were released and the Sea Eagles began to carve the Cowboys up. Steven Bell scored out wide and the game was as good as over, despite full time being 20 minutes away.

Jamie Lyon and Luke Williamson added to the scoreline, which could have easily been greater had Manly been more ruthless in the first half.

North Queensland’s season ends at the preliminary final stage for the second time. The first came in 2004.