A duo of contentious tries couldn’t halt Manly’s downfall against a formidable Warriors outfit, as they suffered a surprising 36-16 defeat in Auckland on Friday night.
Jason Saab was the first to secure four debated points, leaping over to score Manly’s second try of the night in the 46th minute.
The soaring winger touched down in the right corner and seemingly dropped the ball while attempting to ground it, but thanks to “inconclusive” evidence, the Bunker intervened in his favour.
However, Warriors hooker Wayde Egan quickly retaliated, stretching his team’s lead to 12 points before Daly Cherry-Evans anxiously awaited a review of his own try-scoring efforts.
In an incredible diving play by Reuben Garrick, the winger teamed up with the Manly skipper to reduce the deficit.
Their connection came after Saab made a break down the edge, initially sending a powerful chip across the field, yet Garrick managed to salvage the ball, flicking it back to Cherry-Evans just before it went out of play.
“Wow. That was a sensational move,” exclaimed Steve Roach on Fox League.

Reuben Garrick passes the ball back for Daly Cherry-Evans to score. Sky Sports
“Look at how hard those Manly players were chasing after it.”
This stunning effort left the Fox League commentary team awestruck, but the replay of the try suggested that Garrick may have stepped out of play.
“Oh, I’m not so sure. I think his foot could be on the line,” Roach noted.
“Is there some chalk on that [boot]? I think he might be out… but what an extraordinary try it would have been?”
Despite the lengthy review, the Bunker ultimately awarded the try.
Catch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Unfortunately for Manly, indiscipline hampered their second-half efforts as Jake Trbojevic was sent from the field.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck added his name to the list of try scorers before Manly had to cope with the loss of both Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic due to injury.
Cherry-Evans was seen grasping his back as trainers helped him off the field just six minutes after Trbojevic exited the game.
There was no immediate explanation for Trbojevic’s departure, but coach Anthony Seibold later clarified that he had been feeling “tightness.”
“Turbo was experiencing a bit of tightness… and Daly was having a spasm,” said Seibold.
“I haven’t spoken with the doctors yet, but we’ll need to have them checked.”
Luke Metcalf sealed the match triumph for the Warriors, diving over the line with mere seconds remaining.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.