U20s preliminary final marred by biting allegation

A biting allegation has marred the Holden Cup preliminary final between Manly and St George Illawarra at Allianz Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Play was stopped in the 47th minute, just moments after Dragons winger Jason Gillard tackled Sea Eagles fullback Jade Anderson in midfield.

Gillard made a formal allegation to the referee with Anderson and the two captains in tow.

While the referee and his touch judge could not see a mark, the incident was put on report.

"You've made the allegation, it'll go from there," Gillard was told by the referee.

Replays showed Gillard rip his left arm out of the tackle and away from Anderson after the Manly player was brought to ground.

The Sea Eagles led 18-12 at the time of the incident and went on to win 34-18 to secure their place in next week's grand final.

Cade Cust was the star of the show, scoring two tries from halfback.

Manly finished eighth on the ladder before defeating the Cowboys and Sharks in the opening two weeks of the finals.

St George Illawarra finished third and defeated Penrith in the qualifying final.