But the visitors paid a price for over-confidence, and Trbojevic was the main culprit, producing several uncharacteristic errors in attacking situations.

That allowed the Warriors to gain some traction, and they capitalised in the 19th minute when five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita dived over.

Midfield tries from wingers Taine Tuaupiki and Ali Leiataua in the 26th and 29th minutes left the visitors pondering an 18-6 half-time deficit.

Manly reduced the arrears five minutes after the resumption, when Saab dived over in the corner.

Warriors hooker Wayde Egan soon calmed the nerves of home fans – who last witnessed a victory at Mt Smart on July 26 last year – with a try from dummy-half.

Then came one of the tightest line-ball calls you will ever see.

In the 58th minute, Saab broke clear and centre-kicked, and the ball appeared beat everyone over the dead-ball line.

But at the last split-second, Garrick launched himself, batted the ball back infield, and Cherry-Evans grounded it.

After repeated viewings, the bunker approved the try, ruling Garrick’s foot avoided the line by a millimetre.

Garrick’s conversion left the Warriors clinging to a 24-16 lead.

Manly suffered an untimely setback in the 64th minute when lock Jake Trbojevic was sin-binned after a spate of set restarts, prompting Cherry-Evans to protest: “That’s a big call.”

With Manly down to 12 men, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck sealed the win by cutting back inside to crash over and score in the 71st minute.

A Luke Metcalf try iced the Warriors win.