Controversy over Panthers try as leaders get the points over Manly at Brookvale

League leaders Penrith Panthers have re-established their one-game lead at the top with a 24-12 win over Manly.

In a fiery, entertaining match at Brookvale Oval, the Sea Eagles took it to the Panthers for most of the first hour of play, but they faded late to go down, delivering a big blow to their finals chances.

Home fans were left unhappy close to half-time, when Panthers centre Stephen Crichton scored his second try of the game in the corner, but only after an apparent knock-on by Penrith second-rower Liam Martin in a contest for a high ball on the opposite wing.

Officials could not rule on the knock-on as it was on the previous play-the-ball to the try, but the Brookvale crowd were furious.

The try was converted by Nathan Cleary and left the scores level at 12-12 at half-time, before the Panthers went on with it in the second half. 

The Sea Eagles also lost two players — Brad Parker and Ben Trbojevic — after they were ruled out with concussion after HIAs.

More to come.