MATCH-WINNER Ethan Sanders thanked his rival and predecessor Jamal Fogarty after kicking the winning field goal in an overtime nail-biter at 4 Pines Park.
Only a minutes after Fogarty, who has joined Manly from Canberra this year, sent the round one clash into golden point with a long-range penalty goal, his replacement drilled a match-winning field goal for a 29-28 success.
The Raiders had the game in the bag when they led 26-14 with 10 to go and their escape might put to bed the memory of successive collapses which saw them crash out of the finals after finishing first last year.
“I looked up to these boys,” Sanders, 22, told Fox Sports. “Especially last year, being able to rub shoulders and train with these boys, I learned a lot.
“Last year they had a few games that went down to the wire and just to see his composure – I learned a lot from Jamal. I want to thank him too.
“I’m glad I got it (the field goal shot) away because I was cramping a bit before that.”
Five-eighth Ethan Strange gushed: “I can’t give Sando enough of a wrap. I played with him growing up so I always knew that would be him.
“But tonight he got to prove it to everyone and our team-mates.
“He’s the general. I knew he was going to smack it in.
“It’s awesome We’re living our childhood dreams together. I can’t wait for what’s next.”
Famously monikered the ‘Canberra Faders’ and bundled out of the finals after finishing first last year, the Green Machine was spluttering when it trailed Manly 14-0 at 19 minutes.
But after pegging one try back before halftime, the Raiders set about plundering the rain-drenched Northern Beaches in the the second half.
The Raiders scored 28 unanswered points. With 10 to go, Manly fans were leaving as Ricky Stuart’s side led 26-14.
Winger Xavier Savage and rookie forward Noah Martin each scored try braces while the Sea Eagles were unable to score between the 14th and 74th minutes.
But Tolutau Koula’s try at that point was followed up by another to ex-Raider Jamal Fogerty and we had the Raiders’ usual haircut anyway.
A missed two-point field goal attempt by Fogarty from the Sea Eagles resulted in a penalty right on fulltime for off-side – and the game went into golden point.
Manly had scored another 14 unanswered points.
Less than two minutes into overtime, Sanders booted a 35 metre field goal from in front to seal victory.
CANBERRA 29 (Martin 2 Savage 2 Sanders tries Sanders 4 goals field goal) beat MANLY 28Â (T Trbojevic Olakau’atu Koula Fogarrty tries Fogarty 6 goals) in golden point at 4 Pines Park.
Teams:
MANLY Tom Trbojevic (c); Jason Saab, Tolutau Koala, Rueben Garrick, Lehi Hopoate; Luke Brooks, Jamal Fogerty; Taniela Paseka, Jake Simpkin, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Haumole Olakau’atu, Ben Trbojoevic, Jake Trbojevic. Res: Joey Walsh, Kobe Hetherington, Ethan Bullemor, Nathan Brown, Clayton Faualolo, Corey Waddell.
CANBERRA: Kaeo Weekes; Savelio Tamale, Simi Sasagi, Sebastian Kris, Xavier Savage; Ethan Strange, Ethan Sanders; Josh Papali’i, Tom Starling, Joe Tapine (c), Hudson Young, Noah Martin, Corey Horsburgh. Res: Jayden Brailey, Zac Hosking, Ata Mariota, Morgan Smithies, Daine Laurie, Jed Stuart.
Referee: Liam Kennedy