Eagles stay grounded

Manly coach Des Hasler has attempted to play down the Sea Eagles' impressive 38-20 win over the Tigers at a packed Bluetongue Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Manly ran in six tries to four in one of their best performances of the season and the powerful win had the media suggesting the Sea Eagles were certain to challenge for the minor premiership and a top-two spot by season's end.

However, Hasler said his side was not getting too far ahead of itself, and was only focused on the next game.

"We have got a tough game on Monday week against a team that can score points in Newcastle," Hasler said.

"We just need to maintain and continue that momentum and let the eight and the table take care of itself."

"I think if we keep up that momentum and keep winning then we have a shot for it."

Hasler praised the performances of halves Trent Hodkinson and Kieran Foran, who had a hand in all of Manly's tries as well as the efforts of skipper Jamie Lyon, who bagged a personal haul of 22 points with two tries and seven from seven with the boot.

"He (Lyon) had an outstanding game and it just backs up what a class player he is. I think between him and Jason King they have really risen to the leadership claim," Hasler said.

"It is a long season, an arduous season and they (the halves) are handling it pretty well at the moment."

"And at the back end of the season you hope the experience they have picked up along the way and the work they have put in with the players around them will pay dividends."

Hasler also weighed into the debate over the Steve Matai incident with Robbie Farah.

Matai collected Farah late and high after the hooker had offloaded close to the Manly line. However, Matai was sinbinned after he suggested that Farah was perhaps feigning the injury to win a penalty.

Hasler said he didn't think there was too much in the incident.

''It didn't look like there was too much in it, and if it does go to - and I don't think it should - but if it does go to the referees committee, I think we might be calling on the Balmain player to maybe throw in some evidence as well,'' Hasler said.