The Dragons have taken a 14-6 lead thanks to a pair of tries from play ace Ben Hunt.
The veteran half-back burst for his first before finishing with a Junior Amone track for his second as the rain continues to fall.
But Manly started a comeback with a try from front row enforcer Josh Aloiai.
MATCH CENTRE: St George Illawarra Dragons vs Manly Sea Eagles, live scores, teams
45TH MINUTE
Sea Eagles enforcer Josh Aloiai crashed over the Sea Eagles in the first of the night, starting a comeback.
Sean Keppie and Ben Trbojevic have both been ruled out, leaving just two players on the bench for Des Hasler’s side.
Meanwhile, the Dragons have continued a worrying trend.
“Worst in the competition in conceding points in the first 20 minutes of the second half,” Parker said.
18th MINUTE
Dragons star Ben Hunt has struck again, putting a youngster Amone to the ground to become the club’s top scorer in 2022.
Just weeks after winning Origin with the Maroons, the veteran playmaker hasn’t slowed down.
“Benny Hunt, just pushing, what a competitor he is, he’s the heartbeat of this side,” Corey Parker said.
13th MINUTE
Dragons fullback Cody Ramsey has suffered a knee injury, bending under tacklers on a kick return in pouring rain.
Sea Eagles utility Dylan Walker instantly signaled to the referee that the young gun was injured and replays showed the ugly knock.
“Your leg is not meant to do this … slippery surface,” said Andrew Voss.
“Walker immediately indicates that your opponent is worse for wear.
“That’s not good, Ramsey’s night is over.”
Just moments later, star halfback Ben Hunt snuck under a tackler, diving in to score the first of the night and give his side a 6-0 lead.
“He’s in purple form, Ben Hunt,” Voss said.
“The monsoon is coming down.”
PRE-Match PREPARATION
Des Hasler’s Sea Eagles will be without three key players after Covid hit Manly’s playing squad.
Reliable prop Jake Trbojevic, backrower Andrew Davey and dummy-half Lachlan Croker were ruled out after testing positive.
Ben Trbojevic has been drafted in at the back, while young gun Kaeo Weekes has been named to make his debut from the bench.
MATCH CENTRE: St George Illawarra Dragons vs Manly Sea Eagles, live scores, teams
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Meanwhile, Toafofoa Sipley will play in the number 13 jersey.
The Dragons have had a turbulent week after reports circled suggesting the pressure is building on coach Anthony Griffin.
News of the unrest in the squad broke, but the club moved quickly to warn players or the group taking their frustration to the media.
Griffin made a number of changes to his starting lineup, bringing Jayden Sullivan back into the utility role after Moses Suli’s injury blow.
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