Manly are leaving the 2022 NRL season with disappointment, upon missing the finals and losing to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs by one point (20-21) on Friday night at Accor Stadium in wet conditions.
Beginning the game in impressive fashion, piling on three tries and two conversions within the first 20 minutes, the Sea Eagles looked like breaking a six-match losing streak and entering the holiday break with some momentum.
However, a valiant Bulldogs outfit clawed their way back into the contest and were within reaching distance heading into the half-time break (16-12).
As scores were levelled late in the game (20-20), Matt Burton asserted himself onto the contest, making a name for himself when it mattered most.
As opportunities went squandering for Des Hasler's men, Manly were unable to hold onto the brief lead they had in the second half, leaving the coach to say: "We got our just desserts."
Burton directed a spiral bomb at rookie Kaeo Weekes, who was unable to handle it, which gave the Bulldog the chance to steal the victory with one minute remaining.
To the dismay of Sea Eagles fans, the 22-year-old calmly slotted the field goal as more pain was inflicted on Manly.
It what seems to be the theme for the past two months at the Sea Eagles, they were unable to capitalise on strong work early in the game, only leaving the side with disappointment.
Hasler said post-game that there's plenty of work that needs to be done after winning two matches in their past 10 outings.
"We started well and had complete control and were guilty of a bit of inexperience in parts. That game was there to be had. We should have finished the game and we didn't," Hasler said.
"It was a disappointing result on the back end of a disappointing six or seven weeks.
"We've got a bit of work to do regardless of circumstance and we'll get that done over the off-season and come back ready for 2023."
The Sea Eagles were in finals contention mid-way through the season, sitting ninth and were primed to make a push up the ladder.
