Parramatta began its 2003 preparation for the NRL season on a high note when it defeated Manly 30-20 in a trial match on the Gold Coast.

The Eels came from a 16-10 deficit to win the match with standout fullback Ronald Prince chiming in with two tries in the second half.

Manly centre Albert Torrins kept his side in the game with two tries.

Manly in contrast was disappointing in its first foray into the NRL season as a sole entity, after being part of the Northern Eagles merger for the past three seasons.

But there were certainly some positive signs for Manly as elder statesmen Steve Menzies and John Hopoate were stand outs in the relatively inexperienced side.

The match was the first trial between NRL teams this year and once again the Gold Coast showed its growing rugby league supporter base with a turnout of 12,127 people.

It was hard to believe it was just a trial match given the number of torrid tackles in the first quarter.

Hopoate (ankle), frontrower Nathan Long (facial cuts) and Eels Prop Jason King (concussion) were victims of a tough opening.

Manly opened its account when standout halfback Jason Ferris threw a clever dummy which baffled the Eels defence in the second minute.

The Eels replied immediately through five-eighth Steve Witt in a battle of the halves and a further try to Nathan Hollingsworth gave the Eels a 10-6 lead at the quarter.

Torrins' first try in the second quarter gave Manly further momentum and a try to Matt Hill gave the Sea Eagles a 16-10 halftime lead.

Prince's second try, after a sustained pressure by the Eels, enabled Parramatta to draw level only two minutes into the second half.

Manly took the lead in the 52nd minute when Torrins went over for his second, but again the scores were levelled nine minutes later when Ronnie Duffy scored.

In the 68th minute Dean Widders, who was injected into the side for the second half, enabled the Eels to draw clear again and Prince's second touch down with six minutes to go cemented the victory.

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