In a brutal showdown, Canberra Raiders trailed 30-0 at halftime against Manly, plagued by penalties and errors, ultimately losing 40-12 despite a second-half effort.
It's the real Battle of Brookvale.
Canberra Raiders fans were left with a sour taste in their mouth after an opening 40 minutes where they felt their team never had a chance last year.
Seven penalties, five six-agains, six errors and a sin bin had the Green Machine running on empty by the break - and trailing Manly 30-0.
It was a vicious cycle - faced with an ever-growing weight of Manly possession, the Raiders started to make errors and the tries grew like a tidal wave.