Canterbury Bulldogs hammer Manly Sea Eagles

There was no dream start for Trent Barrett in his first NRL game in charge of Manly Sea Eagles as Canterbury Bulldogs eased to a 28-6 victory at Brookvale Oval.

A new-look Eagles side had no answer to the Bulldogs, who got their season under way in impressive fashion to give Manly head coach Barrett a baptism of fire.

Canterbury had the game sewn up at half-time, charging into a 22-0 lead at the break courtesy of tries from Sam Perrett, Will Hopoate, Sam Kasiano and Josh Morris - his 100th in the NRL.

Jorge Taufua finally got Manly on the board by taking a pass and somehow going over close to the touchline in the 65th minute, but Curtis Rona added a fifth try for the visitors after having one ruled out in the first half to complete the scoring.

Barrett included eight new signings in his side and must go back to the drawing board ahead of the trip to Wests Tigers a week on Monday.

He could be without Steve Matai (high tackle) and Marty Taupau (shoulder charge) for that match after the duo were placed on report, while the Bulldogs have injury concerns over Michael Lichaa (ankle) and Chase Stanley (thigh).