Manly's impressive four-game winning streak halted with an 18-16 loss to the Penrith Panthers at CommBank Stadium.
The match began positively for Manly, who scored with just their fourth set. A smart play close to the Panthers' line allowed Tolu Koula to assist Clayton Faulalo in crossing over.
However, the Panthers quickly responded with their own try. Nathan Cleary's run-around play helped Blaize Talagi break free from Joey Walsh to equalize at 6-6.
Disaster struck for Manly in the 13th minute when Kobe Hetherington had to exit the game for a HIA following an incident with Isaah Yeo.
In the 27th minute, the Panthers seemed set for another try, but a forward pass in a Manly tackle halted their momentum.
A series of errors from Manly offered the Panthers an advantageous position, which they exploited effectively.
A mishap by Haumole Olakau'atu led to the Panthers' second try, putting them ahead 12-6 at halftime.
A shift right from Cleary found Brian To'o, who scored in the corner, capping a thrilling first half with a successful conversion.