Manly have kept their slim finals hopes alive with a stunning 44-24 victory over Newcastle on Saturday, with the Sea Eagles now facing a must-win finish to their regular season.
Playing in Newcastle on Old Boys Day, Manly produced their first win since Round 17 to move within touching distance of a finals berth.
The return of Tom Trbojevic proved crucial, with the star fullback helping inspire the Sea Eagles to the convincing victory and keeping their season alive with just two rounds remaining.
However, Manly's path into the finals remains extremely difficult.
The Sea Eagles must win both of their remaining games against the Dragons and Warriors, while also needing at least two of the Rabbitohs, Cowboys and Bulldogs to lose both of their remaining matches.
Adding further concern is the fitness of centre Tolutau Koula, who suffered a suspected syndesmosis injury following a hip-drop tackle from Newcastle winger Dom Young.
Young is expected to face a heavy sanction for the tackle, with Manly now anxiously awaiting the outcome as they determine whether Koula will be available should they make it into the finals.
While Manly have given themselves a glimmer of hope, Newcastle's heavy defeat has dealt a significant blow to their own aspirations of securing a home final.
The Knights' road to the top four has become considerably more difficult after they suffered their first defeat by more than two points since Round 8.
Coach Holbrook admitted his side were well below the required standard, describing their performance as “disappointing”.
“We lacked everything today. Urgency, effort in certain areas," Holbrook stated in the press conference.
“We've been up for a long time, this group. Today, we weren't and when you are off in this competition you get dealt with”
The defeat could ultimately prove to be the wake-up call Newcastle need before finals football, with the Knights now needing to quickly regroup with September approaching.
For Manly, however, the victory has completely changed the complexion of their season.
What appeared to be a fading finals campaign is suddenly alive, albeit by the slimmest of margins.
