LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
In a historic moment for the Warriors, they have achieved a remarkable six-game winning streak, a feat not accomplished in over two decades.
The team's triumph came in a hard-fought battle against the Sea Eagles, with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak's exceptional performance leading them to a 29-22 victory.
The game took place at the Warriors' traditional home ground in Auckland, which was temporarily renamed Daniel Anderson Stadium in honor of their former coach who suffered a devastating spinal cord injury last year.
Despite trailing 22-16 at halftime, the home side displayed immense resilience and determination to secure the win, solidifying their position as the third-ranked team heading into the next round.
Both teams experienced scoring sprees in the first half, resulting in a 16-point lead for Manly, courtesy of Jason Saab's hat-trick and an earlier try by Jake Arthur.
However, the Sea Eagles' missed opportunities in the later stages of the game proved costly, effectively extinguishing their hopes of making it to the finals in 2023.
As a late inclusion in the starting lineup, Jake Arthur made a sensational start by evading two defenders and scoring from close range.
Nonetheless, the Warriors quickly turned the tide by scoring 16 points in just 17 minutes.
Tohu Harris, the team's captain, continued his impressive form by scoring his third try in as many games, while Watene-Zelezniak's exceptional abilities propelled the hosts into the lead with two exceptional tries.