The Bulldogs and Sea Eagles exchanged tries in the opening 10 minutes but it’s the visitors who lead 34-16 in the second half in front of a huge crowd at Accor Stadium.
Canterbury scored without Manly touching the ball when Reed Mahoney crossed after just 90 seconds.
MATCH CENTRE: Bulldogs v Sea Eagles, teams, stats, video
But the Sea Eagles responded with back-to-back-to-back tries to Jason Saab, Tom Trbojevic and Lehi Hopoate, carving up the best defence in the NRL.
Manly winger Jason Saab left the game in the first half after suffering an ankle injury in a tackle from Bronson Xerri who was placed on report.
It’s been confirmed a record crowd at Accor for a 6pm Friday game with 35,502 fans in the house.
Brooks stars in Sea Eagles surge | 00:53
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MATCH PREVIEW
We could be in for a record crowd for the 6pm Friday slot in this top-eight blockbuster between the Bulldogs and Sea Eagles at Accor Stadium.
Canterbury are riding a five-game winning streak and another victory could see them break into the top four for the first time in almost a decade.
Just as they did when Stephen Crichton was in Origin camp, Jacob Kiraz moves into the centres to replace the suspended skipper.
Tigers-bound Jeral Skelton comes into the side and will play on the wing and Josh Curran (shoulder) returns in a huge boost.
Kurt Mann (collarbone) has been replaced at lock in the starting side by Jaeman Salmon.
Manly are chasing sixth spot and the home final that comes with it and Ben Trbojevic has been dropped to 18th Man for Karl Lawton who will now start in the second row.
Matt Lodge returns and will start in the front row as Nathan Brown gets shifted to the bench, while Tommy Talau (pec) is back as Tolutau Koula moves to the pine.