Fullback remains the million-dollar man’s best position,and when he’s fully fit,it should always be Trbojevic’s position,for the next few years at least.

But Hopoate’s impressive rookie season – and potential long-term claims to the No.1 jumper – continued in fine fashion when he bagged a double after latching onto another Brooks cross-field kick leading into half-time.

Hopoate had dislocated his finger moments earlier. You wouldn’t have known as he took the ball on the fly and tossed a no-look pass right onto the chest of Tommy Talau for him to score untouched.

As Manly got another look at one of their brightest young prospects,South Sydney would have liked what they saw in rookie halfback Jamie Humphreys.

The son of ex-Sea Eagles CEO Stephen,Humphreys is off to the Rabbitohs next year on a two-year deal and started his debut with a dream fifth-minute try after the officials missed a blatant forward pass from Jason Saab.

A 20-0 half-time lead ensured the Sea Eagles were always cruising back into seventh on the NRL ladder. For the Knights,Kalyn Ponga,Bradman Best and Dane Gagai’s Origin absence was telling,so too the need for them to back up on short turnarounds next Saturday against Brisbane.

Coach Adam O’Brien conceded his side “got what we deserved” and will have to sweat on their Origin stars returning for a must-win clash with the Broncos.

Second-half tries to Garrick,Hopoate and Olakau’atu simply added to Manly’s day out ahead of next Sunday’s showdown with ex-coach Des Hasler and the Titans.

Past,present and future collide again.

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