The Manly Sea Eagles and the Melbourne Storm have been going at it for the good-side of 20 years, building a fierce rivalry that has produced plenty of fireworks over the seasons. The two foes played back-to-back Grand Finals against each other in 2007 and 2008, a rare circumstance that has yet to be done since.
The Storm was victorious in 2007 and, quite frankly, by far the best team in the competition, who sat six-points clear in first place. They met with the second-placed Manly, who lost their star fullback Brett Stewart early, and the side wasn't able to get out of second gear, letting the Storm run rampant in a 34-8 win.
12 months later, revenge was on the Sea Eagles' mind, producing one of the most complete demolition efforts ever in a Grand Final, winning 40-0 and sending the retiring Steve Menzie off as a Grand Final-winning legend. The Sea Eagles were a much silkier attacking outfit this time round, winning all three of their finals matches with a combined result of 110-12 points.
Here are some of the best showdowns that highlight why this rivalry is so special.
2. Round 19, 2019 - DCE Golden Point clutch
Daly Cherry-Evans and his trusty right boot were the difference between the two on this night at AAMI Park. Locked up at 10-all, multiple stars tried to step up to the plate and ice the win, including Cameron Munster, Smith, Walker and Brodie Croft all missing shots from in front in golden point.
An incredibly thrilling game, on the stroke of golden point half time, the Storm almost came up with a miracle after catching a DCE intercept followed into regathering a charge down attempt, putting Justin Olam away down the left corridor before Manase Fainu jumped on the ball to end the first five-minute period.
In the final minute before time would have called a draw, Cherry-Evans stepped up and took it out of the clock's hands.
