LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
The Sea Eagles Pathways Program had a mixed start to the season as both the Harold Matthews and SG Ball Cup teams took to the field at 4 Pines Park on Sunday.
The showdown saw the young guns of Manly Warringah go head-to-head with the Warriors in an intense battle of skill and grit.
In a tale as old as time, the two teams were deadlocked at half time, with neither side able to gain a clear advantage.
But as the saying goes, it's not how you start, it's how you finish.
And unfortunately for the Sea Eagles, the Warriors came out swinging in the second half, notching up four tries compared to Manly's lone response.
The Sea Eagles made their mark early on, with centre Oscar Crotty latching onto a perfectly placed kick from five-eighth Kobe Morris to get the ball rolling.
Callum Miskell ensured the Sea Eagles got the full points with his kicking prowess.
However, the Warriors weren't about to let the Sea Eagles take control for long.
The Warriors struck back in the 22nd minute, thanks to second row Bishop Neal's powerful run to the try-line.
Halfback Ashton Ulaula-Ieremia added the extras with a picture-perfect conversion from the sideline, leveling the score and setting the stage for an intense second half.
Despite the Sea Eagles having a few near-misses and close calls, it was the Warriors who seized the momentum in the second half.
With back-to-back tries in a whirlwind four-minute period, the Warriors asserted their dominance and left the Sea Eagles playing catch-up.
In the end, the Sea Eagles were left licking their wounds but with valuable lessons learned and plenty of fire in their bellies for the battles that lie ahead.
As they say in the world of Rugby League, it's not about how hard you fall, but how you pick yourself back up and come back stronger next time.
The season is long, and the Sea Eagles are sure to rise to the challenge.