Sea Eagles rally to defeat Bulldogs in thrilling finals clash
- Manly Sea Eagles defeated Canterbury Bulldogs 24-22 in an elimination final at Accor Stadium.
- The Bulldogs led for much of the match, including a 16-12 halftime advantage, but were unable to maintain their lead.
- The loss ends Canterbury's season, while Manly advances to face the Sydney Roosters in the semi-finals.
In a thrilling elimination final at Accor Stadium, Manly Sea Eagles triumphed over the Canterbury Bulldogs with a score of 24-22, advancing to the next round of the NRL finals. The match showcased a strong performance from the Bulldogs, who led for significant portions, including a 16-12 advantage at halftime. Key players like Viliame Kikau and Stephen Crichton contributed to the Bulldogs' early success, scoring crucial tries. However, the Sea Eagles rallied in the final minutes, highlighted by a spectacular 45-metre try from Tolu Koula. Manly's five-eighth Luke Brooks played a pivotal role, breaking a lengthy finals drought and assisting in two tries. The Sea Eagles' comeback was marked by strategic plays, including a well-executed scrum set play that allowed Daly Cherry-Evans to score. As the match progressed, the Sea Eagles capitalized on defensive lapses from the Bulldogs, ultimately taking the lead with Koula's impressive try. Despite the Bulldogs' efforts to level the score in the closing moments, Matt Burton's attempts at two-point field goals fell short, sealing their fate. The loss marks the end of a promising season for Canterbury, who had not reached the finals since 2016. The absence of Josh Addo-Carr, due to a positive drug test, was felt as the Bulldogs struggled to maintain their momentum in critical moments. Looking ahead, Manly will face the Sydney Roosters in the semi-finals, while the Bulldogs will need to regroup and reflect on their season's achievements and challenges. This match serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of finals football, where resilience and strategy can turn the tide in an instant.