First up defeat for Manly at Lottoland

A CLINT Gutherson inspired Parramatta beat the Sea Eagles 20-12 at Lottoland on Sunday afternoon.

Clint Gutherson of the Eels scores a try on Sunday at Lottoland.

A CLINT Gutherson inspired Parramatta beat the Sea Eagles 20-12 at Lottoland on Sunday afternoon.

The Cromer Kingfishers junior, who was on Manly’s books until moving out west at the end of 2015, combined brilliantly with halfback Corey Norman across the 80 minutes.

Gutherson’s measured performance in the number six jersey was in stark contrast to the home side, whose ball handling in both halves was atrocious at times.

Debutant Brian Kelly had the locals on their feet when he scored an impressive solo try in the seven minute.

Norman then showed his class, dominating the remainder of the contest after Parramatta’s scratchy start.

He grubbered through for a fine solo try to make it 6-6 in the 11th minute then launched a stunning 40/20 kick followed by a sublime short ball to orchestrate a Bevan French try in the 26th minute.

With the lead 14-6 at the break, Gutherson crossed in the 49th minute close to the line, with a penalty goal giving Brad Arthur’s men a 20-6 advantage.

Blake Green scored late on for the Sea Eagles to add some respectability to the end scoreline, but the hosts have plenty of work to do before taking on the Rabbitohs at the Fortress next Saturday night.

Manly's Daly Cherry-Evans and his teammates after a Parramatta try. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Coach Trent Barrett was happy with the defensive effort, but acknowledged his team’s attack needs to be better.

“We didn’t do ourselves any favours,’’ he said.

“I did like the fact we kept turning up for each other, our defence on the goal line was very good.

“It is only round one, once we fix up a few areas, mainly our attack, we will be fine.”

Parramatta Eels 20 (Corey Norman, Bevan French, Clint Gutherson tries; Gutherson 4 goals) defeated Manly Sea Eagles 12 (Brian Kelly, Blake Green tries; Dylan Walker 2 goals) at Lottoland. Crowd 11,318.