The former Wallabies winger Lote Tuqiri scored with his first touch of the ball on his return to National Rugby League last night, contributing to Wests Tigers dramatic 26 22 win over Manly.

Despite Tuqiri's early try, Wests Tigers trailed 20 4 at halftime, but they outscored Manly 22 2 in the second half.

Manly's fullback Brett Stewart faces up to six weeks out with a knee injury suffered when he tried to stop a rampaging Tuqiri in the dying moments of the game.