A DCE field-goal in the second minute of golden point has given the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles a one-point 21-20 win over Canberra at Lottoland this afternoon.
The first half saw Manly dominate proceedings, Dylan Walker opening the scoring after just six minutes. The Raiders levelled things after 17 when Austin scored out wide and Croker converted, but two quick tries to the Eagles through Marty Taupau and Jorge Taufua opened up a ten-point lead by the 35th minute.
A 16-6 halftime lead was looking likely to deliver Manly a comfortable victory, but Cherry-Evans wasn't done, scoring a try of his own just before the break.
Trailing by fourteen at the change of ends, Canberra needed to dig deep - and did. Leilua helped set up Rapana for another classic 'Leipana' special, reeling the Manly lead to 20-12 after just six minutes of the second half.
Manly withstood the Raiders' fightback for another 25 minutes before Rapana doubled down on his earlier effort, and Croker converting reduced the margin to two, ensuring a tense final ten minutes.
And honestly - it looked like the Sea Eagles had it won until a silly penalty conceded by Akuila Uate delivered Jarrod Croker a penalty goal from out wide. Croker made no mistake and at 20-all it was off to extra time.
It wasn't to be for the Raiders' comeback aspirations however - Cherry-Evans potting an 82nd-minute field goal to end the afternoon on a high for the Brookvale faithful.
Next week Manly are at home to Newcastle back at Brookie, while the Raiders head to Bathurst to face Penrith.