A long-term commercial deal to play a Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 'home game' against the Broncos in Brisbane comes to an end this Friday night in the NRL Magic Round.
The Sea Eagles struck a commercial deal in 2015 with Suncorp Stadium to take their home games against Brisbane from Brookvale Oval to the Broncos' traditional home ground.
Of the three games played at Suncorp Stadium between 2016-18, the Sea Eagles emerged victorious once with a 38-24 win in 2018.
The introduction of the NRL Magic Round in 2019 saw the deal naturally become an automatic Friday night fixture.
Unfortunately, Manly has won just one of the four games played at Suncorp between 2019-2023. The event was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Friday night’s match will be the 51st first grade game between the Sea Eagles and the Broncos, dating back to the historic first premiership match at Lang Park in 1988. Brisbane hold a one game lead overall.
History has shown over the years how important home ground advantage has been for both clubs.
Brisbane have won 16 of the 26 games played at Suncorp Stadium compared to Manly's 10.
It is a far different story at the Sea Eagles home ground of Brookvale Oval, now 4 Pines Park, with Manly winning 10 of the 16 games played there.
The last time Brisbane played a first grade premiership match at Brookvale was in 2014, with Manly winning 16-4.
Manly vs Brisbane record (1988-2023)
Games Played 50: Broncos 25, Sea Eagles 24, 1 draw
At Suncorp: Played 26, Broncos 16, Sea Eagles 10
At Brookvale: Played 16, Manly 10, Brisbane 5, 1 draw
At Gosford: Played 2, Manly 2, Brisbane 0
Finals Series: Played 4, Brisbane 3, Manly 1
Manly home games vs Brisbane, Suncorp Stadium
2016: Brisbane 30 d Manly 6
2017: Brisbane 24 d Manly 14
2018: Manly 38 d Brisbane 24
Manly vs Brisbane, Magic Round
2019: Brisbane 26 d Manly 10
2020: cancelled (COVID-19 pandemic)
2021: Manly 50 d Brisbane 6
2022: Brisbane 38 d Manly 0
2023: Brisbane 32 d Manly 6
*Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
