The long-awaited moment has arrived.
After 184 days, the Sea Eagles are back at 4 Pines Park for Round 1 of the 2026 Telstra NRL Premiership, facing the Canberra Raiders.
Jamal and Luke Brooks will don the seven and six jerseys, while promising young talent Joey Walsh takes the No.14 jersey after strong trial performances.
Joining them is Kobe Hetherington, another key offseason acquisition, making his debut for the Sea Eagles.
The Raiders will be led by starting halves Ethan Strange and Ethan Sanders, despite neither playing in the Raiders' trials against the Storm and Sharks.
Strange previously scored a hat-trick against Manly and needs to be closely monitored, while this match marks just Sanders' fifth appearance in the NRL.
Last time these teams met at 4 Pines Park, Manly triumphed 40-12, with Reuben Garrick scoring four tries.
Round 1 is here-home ground advantage and a brand-new beginning.