Manly Warringah Sea Eagles slipped to their first defeat in five rounds following a 26-10 loss to the Newcastle Knights in round 19 of the Jersey Flegg Cup at 4 Pines Park today.

Manly conceded two tries in the first 20 minutes to see themselves down by eight at the break. Two second half tries for the home side weren’t enough to claw their way back as the Knights held on with three second half tries of their own.

The Sea Eagles were looking for their fourth win in a row and their 12th of the season, but ultimately fell to a worthy competitor in the Knights, who also defeated them 26-24 in the reverse fixture on June 9.

Manly slip to fifth place on the ladder with 24 points, with Newcastle leapfrogging them into fourth place with 25 points.

The Sea Eagles came into the match with a handful of players injured and playing NSW Cup, with Devante Mihinui, Max Hayley, Kylan Mafoa and Daniel O’Donnell named to play for the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles, with the latter set to make his NSW Cup debut.

The opening stages were very scrappy for both sides, with cheap penalties allowing for easy possession. Despite the opportunities, sloppy errors cost chances at both ends of the field as Manly looked to continue their steady form in the league.

Newcastle scored tries in the 17th and 20th minute through Sosaia Latu and Malachi Smith for an early 8-0 lead.