The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles faced off against the St George Illawarra Dragons at Brookvale Oval on April 17, 2025, in a thrilling encounter that saw the Dragons narrowly edge out the Sea Eagles with a final score of 20-18. This Round 7 clash was a must-win for Manly, who entered the match on a two-game losing streak, while the Dragons were riding high after a strong victory over the Titans.
Both teams were eager to make a statement, with the Sea Eagles missing their star fullback Tom Trbojevic due to a knee injury. Despite this setback, Manly was determined to capitalize on their home ground advantage, having won three of their four games at Brookvale this season.
As the match kicked off, it quickly became evident that the Dragons were not there to play second fiddle. In the 46th minute, Tyrell Sloan showcased his speed and skill with an incredible 92-metre try, fending off Daly Cherry Evans to put the Dragons ahead 14-0. The Sea Eagles struggled to find their rhythm early on, and the Dragons capitalized on their mistakes, with Manly conceding 72 points in their last two matches.
However, the Sea Eagles would not go down without a fight. They began to rally in the second half, and by the 50th minute, Tolutau Koula scored a much-needed try, reducing the deficit to 14-6. The momentum shifted as Manly's players began to find their footing, and the crowd at Brookvale Oval erupted in support.
In a dramatic turn of events, Manly leveled the scores at 14-14 while down to 12 men. This came after Ben Trbojevic scored a try in the 57th minute, showcasing the Sea Eagles' resilience despite the odds stacked against them. The Dragons were caught off guard, and the Sea Eagles capitalized on the opportunity.
Yet, the Dragons responded swiftly. Just four minutes later, Jacob Liddle crashed over the line, pushing St George's lead back to 20-14. The tension in the stadium was palpable as the clock ticked down, and both teams fought ferociously for every inch on the field.
As the match approached its climax, the Sea Eagles made one last push. In the 67th minute, Jason Saab scored a sensational try after a perfectly placed kick from Daly Cherry Evans, bringing the score to 20-18. The excitement in the air was electric, and the Sea Eagles were just two points away from tying the game.
In the dying minutes, the Sea Eagles had a chance to steal the match. Daly Cherry Evans attempted a two-point field goal from 45 metres out, but his kick drifted wide, leaving Manly fans holding their breath. The Sea Eagles then faced a heartbreaking moment as they knocked on the ball, sealing their fate as the Dragons held on for the win.
Statistically, the match was closely contested. The Sea Eagles completed 31 of their 41 sets, while the Dragons managed to complete 31 of their 42 sets. Manly's players made 322 tackles compared to the Dragons' 380, and the Sea Eagles had 16 tackle breaks against the Dragons' 24. In terms of running metres, Manly outpaced St George, racking up 1911 metres to the Dragons' 1709.
Despite the loss, the Sea Eagles displayed moments of brilliance that hinted at their potential for future matches. Coach Anthony Seibold will undoubtedly be looking to build on these positives as they prepare for their next challenge.
On the other hand, the Dragons, led by coach Shane Flanagan, will be celebrating this hard-fought victory as they continue to build momentum in the season. With key players like Tyrell Sloan and Val Holmes stepping up, St George is a team to watch as they aim for a playoff spot.
The match concluded with a final score of 20-18 in favor of the Dragons, leaving the Sea Eagles with much to ponder as they regroup for their next outing. The thrilling encounter at Brookvale Oval showcased the intensity and passion of NRL, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
