Canberra's four-point defeat to the Sea Eagles was no laughing matter for Ricky Stuart, especially after he copped Manly's team song during his post-match press conference.
The Raiders ceded ground to runaway competition leaders Sydney, Melbourne and South Sydney following the 24-20 result at Lottoland.
Manly have their own problems to worry about following the injury to skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, which may also affect Queensland's Origin preparations.
However, that will matter extremely little for Stuart, whose side has bounced into 2019 form with a rejigged defensive output following horror campaigns in 2017 and 2018.
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Canberra skipped away to a 12-0 lead after just 10 minutes on Sunday, but Stuart conceded Manly "revved it up" before the break as the home side carried the momentum beyond the break to jump away to a 10-point lead through a Lachlan Croker double.
Stuart lamented his side's collapse, but was satisfied considering Canberra fell on the wrong side of a 13-5 penalty count.
It didn't get much better for Stuart as he had to begin his press conference with Manly's sheds bellowing the team song next-door.
Watch Manly's team song gatecrash Stuart's presser in the player below.
"I thought we did a pretty good job to be where we were... we didn't defend anywhere near as good as we have," Stuart said.
"There's been more things thrown at us as there was today.
"The consistent set-after-set hurt us with our defence, but I thought to be four-three in tries, considering the weight of penalties, was not too bad to be where we were."
Now the only 5-2 team after seven rounds, the Raiders will prepare for a trip to Wagga Wagga to take on Penrith before a Magic Round clash in Brisbane against the ladder-leading Roosters.
Canberra will also be sweating on the health of winger Jordan Rapana, who copped a rib injury early in the match.
However, the penalty count against Canberra remained a sticking point for 'Sticky', but the coach admitted his Raiders will need to move on quickly if they're to challenge the Roosters and beyond.
"In one or two instances there, there were penalties on discipline, but I haven't told them anything this week in regards to changing anything in the ruck," Stuart said.
"It was probably our turn... we held them out for most parts. It's not going to be the only game we lose.
"I've been asking the boys to handle the last month with winning games and how we handle it together.
"We spoke about [Manly] last week, we knew what we were in for and we got it. They played better.
"I don't see any game as different. It's a tough competition."
