The Sea Eagles snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, scoring in the final minute of the match to secure a nail-biting 22-18 victory over Parramatta at Brookvale Oval back in Round 3.
Parramatta led by 18 points to 16, heading into the final minute of play, but a Daly Cherry Evans cross field kick, a Cheyse Blair tap back and a Steve Matai try was enough to sink the away side.
Earlier in the contest, the Sea Eagles were first to cross the line when in the eighth minute, stand-in fullback Peta Hiku delivered the final pass to centre Steve Matai.
The Eels found themselves in open space on several occasions inside the first quarter but failed to capitalise, lacking that final touch.
After enjoying a mountain of good field possession, the Sea Eagles finally cracked the Eels defence through a dashing Hiku. Off the back of a quick play the ball from his captain Jamie Lyon, the fullback caught the Parramatta markers out as he darted his way under an attempted tackle from Jarryd Hayne.
Protecting a 10-point lead at the break, the Sea Eagles’ defensive line was finally breached as Vai Toutai crossed in the corner courtesy of a lovely cut-out pass from Hayne.
The Sea Eagles were then dealt a double blow just three minutes later when Semi Radradra beat four Manly defenders on his way to the line.
Holding onto a two-point lead, the Sea Eagles were able to extend their advantage to eight points when centres Matai and Lyon combined.
Matai broke away from a Semi Radradra tackle, before linking with his fellow centre who showed great strength to plant the ball down.
But it was the man who made the defensive error on Matai who brought his side back within a try when he dived over for his second.
Radradra found himself involved in almost everything, and when the ball found the winger on the last, he became crowd enemy number one as he kicked through, re-gathered, flicked the ball out the back to a supporting Hayne, before the fullback put Nathan Peats over for what appeared the match winner.
But after finding themselves behind for the first time in the match, the Sea Eagles worked their way up field and snatched victory through Matai.
