Manly scored three tries in a seven-minute blitz early in the second half to storm home 22-14 over Brisbane in an entertaining NRL clash last night at Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane looked on course to repeat their victory over the Sea Eagles 25 years ago when they entered the premiership but, after leading 14-6 - the same halftime scoreline as 1988 - they were swamped by a Sea Eagles attack led magnificently by halfback Daley Cherry-Evans.
It was Cherry-Evans's solo try, busting through four Brisbane defenders in the 48th minute, which not only cut the margin to 14-12 but provided the visitors with the momentum to grab the lead five minutes later when centre Steve Matai crossed for his second try.
Jamie Lyon's conversion put Manly in front 16-14 which they extended to 22-14 after Brisbane centre Jack Reed spilled the ball in a Cherry-Evans tackle 15 metres out from his own tryline.
Prop Brent Kite grabbed to loose ball and shovelled it onto winger David Williams for the easiest of tries.