In a thrilling encounter in Round Three of the NSW Cup, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles emerged victorious, decisively defeating the Canberra Raiders 40-12 at Brookvale Oval on March 23, 2025. The match not only showcased the Sea Eagles' commanding performance but also raised concerns for Manly regarding a potential season-ending injury to prop Taniela Paseka.
From the start, Manly demonstrated their intent with an aggressive offensive strategy, piling on the points against a struggling Raiders side. The attendance for the match was solid, with 16,125 fans witnessing an action-packed game that would see several significant events unfold, including a standout performance from Sea Eagles' player Reuben Garrick.
Garrick, who had a particularly emotional day, became a first-time father just 24 hours prior when his fiancée, Riley, gave birth to their daughter. This personal triumph translated onto the field as he illustrated his prowess by scoring four tries and kicking six goals. His total of 28 points came perilously close to breaking Manly's club record of 30 points in a single game, a record held by both Matthew Ridge and Ron Rowles.
The game took a dramatic turn in the 21st minute. Following a promising break by Canberra's Sebastian Kris, a try was disallowed after video review revealed obstruction from teammate Corey Horsburgh, eliminating an early lead for the Raiders. This moment proved pivotal as the Raiders fell out of contention shortly thereafter.
In a season defining moment, Horsburgh was sin-binned in the 22nd minute for a professional foul, leading to a series of tries from the Sea Eagles. During his absence, Manly capitalized, scoring 24 unanswered points, effectively sealing the game before the first half could conclude. Coach Ricky Stuart, visibly frustrated, remarked, "Well done, they won and we didn’t, but I just don’t get the first half." Stuart's comments echoed the frustration felt by Raider fans as they saw their team's opportunities dwindle.
As the game progressed, the Sea Eagles built on their lead, with Garrick completing a hat trick just ten minutes into the second half. The Sea Eagles' domination was a collective effort, with support from teammates assisting in maintaining pressure on the Raiders' defensive line. The match transformed into a showcase of first-class rugby league, with the Canberra defense unable to respond effectively to Manly’s aggressive offensive onslaught.
Unfortunately for Manly, their success was tempered by concerns over Taniela Paseka's injury. The towering forward suffered what is suspected to be a ruptured Achilles, leading him off the field in evident distress. Coach Anthony Seibold confirmed, "I think he’s booked in for an operation tomorrow, which is really disappointing for Taniela personally, and his family, and us as a club," revealing the depth of his concern for the player who has been a vital asset since taking the field. The injury cloud cast over the team's spirit, demonstrating the unpredictability that is inherent in sports.
In what seemed a night of triumph for Manly, their victory leaves them reflecting on both their performance and the injury to Paseka, while Canberra is left to reassess after a challenging match. The difference in penalty counts (10-4 in favor of Manly) illustrated a turning tide that consistently favored the home side. The lopsided set restarts (6-1) were cited as contributing factors to Manly's momentum.
The aftermath of this game raises questions about Canberra’s resilience moving forward, as they will need to regroup and focus on addressing their defensive vulnerabilities. As for the Sea Eagles, they will revel in their commanding win while navigating the challenges of potential changes to their lineup due to Paseka's unfortunate injury.
With Round Three now concluded, the Sea Eagles stand strong, while the Raiders face an uphill battle as they prepare for their next fixture in the league. The testimonies of the coaches, especially with Seibold emphasizing the importance of player welfare, and Stuart scrutinizing the refereeing choices, reflect the competitive nature of the sport. As the rivalry continues, fans and analysts alike await the unfolding drama of the NRL season.
