Wests Tigers scored three tries in the space of four minutes as they kept their slim NRL play-off hopes alive with a 22-20 victory over Manly Sea Eagles at Campbelltown Stadium.

Having gone into their penultimate match of the regular season knowing only a win would ensure they remain in contention for a top-eight finish, the Tigers held off a late fightback from their opponents to secure the points.

Daly Cherry-Evans had a chance to take it to golden point, but the captain's long-range penalty fell short of the posts as Manly were narrowly beaten in a week which saw Trent Barrett hit out at the club amid reports they are seeking an experienced coach to replace him.

The influential Cherry-Evans powered his way over for the 50th try of his career early on and also kicked a penalty to put his side 8-6 up at half-time after a superb pass from Mahe Fonau left Kevin Naiqama with a simple finish at the other end. 

Wests stunned Manly with a blitz of points to take charge early in the second half, Robbie Farah's clever pass setting up a Chris Lawrence score before Moses Mbye crossed and Naiqama grabbed his second of the game.

Manly regrouped, Trent Hodkinson bulldozing his way to the line from close range before Cherry-Evans went in under the posts after Tom Trbojevic showed great hands to set him up.

However, Cherry-Evans spurned a difficult chance to take the game into extra time as the Tigers kept themselves in with a slight chance of sneaking into the top eight at the expense of New Zealand Warriors or Brisbane Broncos, with Manly also left to rue three disallowed tries in a closely fought contest.