Cronulla coach Ricky Stuart accused some of his team of "throwing the towel in" as Manly ran away with a comprehensive 40-12 NRL victory at Brookvale Oval on Sunday.

Although the Sharks have won just one match from their past 15 starts, Stuart has always previously praised his team for their work ethic and commitment.

Cronulla held the upper hand for the first quarter of the match before crumbling to concede five first half tries - much to Stuart's disappointment - as the Sea Eagles cruised to an easy win.

Stuart was keen to stress that Manly's individual class was what won out in the end but he also criticised the attitude of some players when the going got tough.

"We had inexperience, Manly at Manly is very, very tough and we spoke about that," said Stuart.

"The only negative for my side is that ... I think some parts of our playing team threw the white towel in at the 20 minute mark and that's the main disappointing part for me as a coach," Stuart said.

"There were parts of the game where we threw the towel in, and it got too hard for us...it's uncharacteristic for this team.

"(We were) outclassed, outplayed. I haven't got much more of an excuse than that. (Manly) showed some brilliant pieces of footy."

Sea Eagles five-eighth Kieran Foran put his hand up for selection for New Zealand against Australia next month with a masterful display, while centre Jamie Lyon further enhanced his NSW Origin prospects with two tries in a personal 20 point haul.

Winger Michael Robertson also nabbed a double for Manly who have stabilised their season nicely after losing their opening two matches.

Foran and halfback Trent Hodkinson have adjusted well to the playmaking duties left vacant by departed skipper Matt Orford, and the Auckland-born emerging star appears certain to partner Benji Marshall in the halves for the Kiwis after getting a taste of international football in last year's Four Nations series.

"I was pretty happy with my performance today, I'm more confident each week as a ball player and leading this team out," Foran said.

"Nothing explains pulling on that black and white (Kiwis) jersey in front of your family and for your country but to be honest I haven't really thought too much about it, I've just been trying to get things right here week to week."

With the game evenly poised at 12-6 to Manly with seven minutes to go in the first half, Foran took control setting up two of the Sea Eagles' three quick-fire tries before the break.

Opposite number Trent Barrett was more willing to predict Foran's future as a Test footballer.

"He's a good player, a good ball runner and a strong kid. He'll be an international for the New Zealand side I think for a long time, very soon," said Barrett.

A satisfied Manly coach Des Hasler also heaped praise on his leading man.

"He was taken away on the tour last year just to experience it ... so you'd think he'd certainly come under Test selection," Hasler said.

Manly have one worry ahead of next week's big clash against Melbourne, with Brent Kite put on report for a high tackle on Blake Ferguson in the second half.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP