After the departure of Anthony Seibold, Manly proved their strength with a remarkable 28-18 win over the Dragons at WIN Stadium, highlighted by Reuben Garrick’s stunning early try from the kick-off. This impressive 85-metre run showcased the continuity of Seibold’s play-style, emphasising a quick shift deep into the opponent’s territory.
The game started with Tom Trbojevic scoring a try, followed by the Dragons’ kick-off to Jason Saab. Saab quickly passed to Garrick, who found himself unmarked, evading a poor tackle attempt from Valentine Holmes to extend Manly’s lead to 16-0 within the first 17 minutes. Fox League commentator Andrew Voss likened the moment to a “hammer blow” to the Dragons, signalling a tough start for the struggling team.
Earlier in the match, Christian Tuipulotu, after receiving medical attention for an injury, would subsequently leave the field with what appeared to be a knee injury. Garrick’s first try came just seven minutes in, following a well-timed kick from Jamal Fogarty. He caught the ball after Saab leapt over Tuipulotu, juggling it before falling across the line.
Trbojevic showcased his skills again shortly after, dummying past Dragons’ halfback Kyle Flanagan to score. However, the Dragons suffered more setbacks when Moses Suli was forced off for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) after being struck in the face, coinciding with Jake Trbojevic also needing a HIA due to a cut.
Despite the injuries, the Dragons began to fight back when Luciano Leilua scored off a quick tap, with Voss remarking on Manly’s poor restart. Jacob Liddle then crossed the try line, bringing the score to 16-12 just before half-time. There was a chance for the Dragons to level the score, but Setu Tu dropped the ball at a crucial moment.
In the second half, Tu briefly put the Dragons ahead, lifting their spirits, but Manly regained control. They closed out the match strongly with tries from Kobe Hetherington and Lehi Hopoate, solidifying their victory. Despite early struggles, Manly’s resilience and skill in the final stages ultimately made the difference against the Dragons, who were left to reflect on missed opportunities.