Wallabies Cliffy Palu and George Smith were desperate to play down their respective roles in Manly's incredible 71-17 demolition of a stunned West Harbour at Manly Oval on Saturday.

Going behind 5-0 after just two minutes, the Marlins picked themselves up off the floor to race in 10 tries en route to one of the biggest wins in their 102-year history before a bumper crowd of 4163.   

With Australian coach Robbie Deans among the spectators at the village green, Palu and Smith were a mix of class, power and creativity.

No. 8 Palu lasted 50 minutes - ignoring orders from Wallaby hierarchy to play around half that time - while Smith, playing alongside brother Tyrone in the centres, clocked off late in the game with the hosts well on top.

As fans and photographers clamoured for a piece of Smith and Palu after the match, the modest pair directed all the praise towards their lesser-known team-mates.

"Don’t worry about getting us in the photos, it's the other blokes you should get," Smith said.

"The rest of the team was great."

Palu, playing his first game for Manly in five years, added with sincerity: "I don’t think they needed us out there - they were killing it."

"I think they played really well. They had a good win last week and another good win today."

The Wallabies back-rower proved his shoulder problem was a thing of the past, scattering defenders each time he touched the ball in a destructive performance.     

"I was blowing there a bit but it was good to get a run," he said.

"I was enjoying it. I asked if I could have another 10.

"It's been a while since I've been back and I think that it's good that Wallabies are let back to their clubs.

"If the chance comes up I’d like to come back."

Tyrone Smith, yet to lose a game after three matches in Manly colours, had no doubt his older brother and Palu played significant roles in the 10 tries to three rout.  

"They had a massive impact for us. They laid the platform and all the boys ran with it after that," Tyrone said.

"We were a bit slow at the start but we slowly got our act together and played well.

"Three games and three wins and hopefully we can keep it going from here for the rest of the season."

While the 'rock stars' attracted plenty of attention, Manly had heroes all over the park.

Fullback Adam D'Arcy continued his wonderful form with a 29-point haul from two tries, nine conversions and a penalty.

Second-rower Dylan Sigg was outstanding, scoring two tries, while five-eighth Josh Gamgee, half Paddy Pearse, winger Lui Siale, Daniel Collins and the front row of James Lakepa, Elvis Taione and Reuben Bijl were red hot.

Special mention must go to winger Luke Johnson, who scored a tremendous solo try just before the break.

The home side led 34-5 at half-time and went on with the job after the interval, crushing the fourth-placed Pirates.

After needing binoculars to see the top six a few weeks back, Manly are now just seven points adrift of the last play-off spot after making it seven wins from 10 matches.

The Marlins travel to Two Blues Park to meet Parramatta next Saturday.