Less so, however, for supporters of the Sea Eagles. Blown away by Melbourne in front of their own fans, they were at least in this contest after Luke Brooks scored a runaway intercept try, and then Daly Cherry-Evans scored late, to set up a thrilling finish.

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“It’s disappointing, the last couple of weeks have been,” said Manly coach Anthony Seibold.

“I thought there was a tonne more effort tonight. We knew we had a really good start, winning three of our first four games, so we’re not a million miles away.

“We showed some really good things over the first six weeks, but there’s some areas of our game that we need to get better with. It probably cost us tonight.

“The Sharks are a good side, aren’t they. They’ve been in the top-four the past couple of seasons for a reason. They made us pay a couple of times.”

The Sharks, who blew a slender lead at the death last week against Canberra, learnt from that painful lesson to claim the Steve Rogers Cup. Having it in their possession – after travelling to Vegas, Townsville, Canberra and then Perth – will make the trip home more enjoyable.

On two separate occasions in the first half, Trindall set up tries for winger Sam Stonestreet, with a pass and then a kick. And then it was another member of the Sharks spine, Kennedy, who came up with the highlight moment with a stunning solo try.

Manly’s comeback bid wasn’t the only cause for concern late in the game after Addin Fonua-Blake limped off late.