Daly Cherry-Evans' return to Brookvale marked a significant moment, eliciting reflections on Manly's rich history amidst an uncertain horizon.
Over the years, Manly has never struggled to find rivals.
An old sign at Brookvale Oval brilliantly states: "Guess what, Manly hates you too."
For the Sea Eagles, anything that isn't maroon and white simply doesn't fit, and they are adept at channeling that sentiment, particularly at Brookvale.
This characteristic has been a hallmark, through both triumphs and trials, and after their 33-16 defeat to the Roosters, some questioned if the Manly ethos might falter, especially toward their former star Cherry-Evans for the first time.
The atmosphere promised to be charged as the team's modern icon returned dressed in rival colors.
Moments before kickoff, a ferocious storm lashed the venue, cutting power to sections of the oval; calling the subsequent downpour "rain" would be like describing a tsunami as just a wave.
Yet, the crowd remained undeterred; lightning could not dispel their excitement on this momentous occasion, as they could only welcome back their ex-captain once.
In the lead-up, the newly-minted Rooster expressed all the right sentiments, claiming that fond memories outweighed any potential resentment.
However, it's impossible to dismiss the significance of a game that's been 15 years and 352 appearances in the making. The bond between Cherry-Evans and Manly need not be antagonistic for it to hold meaning.