It has all led to this moment, Sea Eagles fans.
With just two rounds left in the 2026 NRL season, Manly's playoff aspirations remain, though they are precariously positioned as they approach Friday's Round 26 matchup against St. George Illawarra.
Currently 10th in the NRL standings, the Sea Eagles are the final team still able to reach the top eight, but it's a tough challenge ahead.
Kieran Foran's squad enjoys a solid points differential (+66), better than the three teams just above them-Canterbury, North Queensland, and South Sydney-indicating points difference may not be what holds them back from finals contention.
Tom Trbojevic returns just in time for these crucial last games, and a win against the struggling Dragons is very much within reach, potentially by a large margin.
Unfortunately, a poor stretch of form in July and August means that the Sea Eagles depend solely on winning their last two matches, with no assurances since the final game is away against the Warriors.
Even if they win both, they may only tie or be two points behind the teams above, with no guarantee of making the finals.
Thus, they need assistance from other teams.
Manly must first conquer the Dragons, followed by victory over the Warriors in Round 27.
At the same time, they need at least two of Canterbury, North Queensland, and South Sydney to falter in their final two games.
The Bulldogs have a tough matchup against a Penrith team gunning for the minor premiership, followed by a game with the Broncos, who might be keen to salvage their disappointing 2026 season.
South Sydney faces a challenging Gold Coast squad, known for unpredictable performances, and ends their season against the Sydney Roosters.
The Cowboys, now buoyed by captain Tom Dearden's return, will go against the Wests Tigers, who recently upset the Roosters before meeting the Raiders in their finale.
For Manly to move into the top eight, they need the Bulldogs to drop at least one of their last two games (quite possible) and for either the Rabbitohs or Cowboys to lose both (less likely).
Of course, Manly must win both of their final games.
Mathematically, they still have a chance, but realistically it's a long shot-around a 5-10% likelihood.
Yet, where there's life, and Turbo, there's hope, right?
Manly battles St. George Illawarra this Friday night at 4 Pines Park in Round 26, with kickoff set for 6pm.