Game Summary
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles survived a thrilling final minutes to defeat Canberra Raiders 28-26 in Round One of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup at 4 Pines Park. The contest went down to the final kick, with the Raiders' Coby Black narrowly missing a conversion after the siren that would have levelled the scores.
The Sea Eagles burst out of the blocks with Blake Wilson crossing for the opening try within minutes of kick-off. The former Bulldogs winger showed his finishing prowess on the left edge following a slick cut-out pass from Tex Hoy.
Paul Bryan extended Manly's advantage to 10-nil with a barnstorming run through the middle, powering his way over from close range after receiving an inside ball from Zach Dockar-Clay.
Canberra clawed their way back into the contest when Coby Black delivered a pinpoint cross-field kick for Sione Finau to score in the corner. Black's conversion reduced the deficit to four points, but Manly struck again before half-time when Josh Feledy pounced on a grubber kick behind the Raiders' defensive line. Brandon Wakeham's successful conversion sent the home side to the break leading 16-6.
The second half began ominously for Manly when Owen Pattie backed up a Raiders attack to score within minutes of the restart. Black's conversion made it 16-12, setting up an absorbing final 30 minutes. Dockar-Clay's individual brilliance restored breathing space for the Sea Eagles when he dummied his way through from close range, but Canberra refused to surrender.
Zaidas Muagututia scored his try following another well-executed left-edge play, before Navren Willett appeared to put the result beyond doubt when he fell on a loose ball from a high kick. However, Chevy Stewart's close-range try kept the Raiders in striking distance at 28-22 with 13 minutes remaining.
The match reached fever pitch in the dying stages when Kain Anderson crossed in the corner after a well-worked set play gave Canberra one final chance. With scores at 28-26 and the clock expired, Black's conversion attempt from the sideline drifted wide, sealing Manly's victory. The Sea Eagles held their nerve through a dramatic conclusion to claim two competition points.
Talking Points
Coby Black announced himself in Raiders colours with a strong performance, orchestrating two tries and slotting three conversions.
Owen Pattie's 40-20 kick in the second half was a pivotal moment, gifting Canberra field position that led directly to Finau's second try and sparked their comeback.
The Sea Eagles' discipline deteriorated in the final quarter, with repeated infringements handing Canberra field position to launch their late fightback.
Key Moment
Kain Anderson's try with 90 seconds remaining set up a grandstand finish and gave Coby Black the chance to level the scores. The halfback's conversion attempt from the left sideline sailed agonisingly wide, denying the Raiders a share of the points.
What's Next?
Manly return home to 4 Pines Park next weekend to face Newcastle Knights looking to make it two wins from two. Canberra face a daunting road trip to Auckland to take on defending premiers the Warriors.
