Mitchell Barnett in possession. Photo: David Neilson
The Shaun Johnson farewell tour stopped off in Sydney on Friday night and departs on another losing note.
It has become a familiar feeling for the Warriors in 2024, who came close but ultimately not close enough as Manly shut them out 24-10.
A mathematical miracle was required for the Warriors to sneak into an unlikely play-off spot, but that equation was answered and now even the most faithful fan's hopes are officially quashed.
The Warriors were well in the contest at halftime with the scores all square at 10-all, but a downpour in the second 40 led to a flood of handling errors which kept them score-less and allowed Sea Eagles to snatch the victory.
Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic told Fox Sports the Warriors gave a brave fight.
"It was a weird one, we weren't good enough in the first half, but it was a bit of wet weather footy we weren't expecting and so good to get the win."
The win moves the Sea Eagles closer to the top four, while it leaves the Warriors languishing near the bottom of the table in 14th.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak dives over to score. Photo: David Neilson
Manly kicked the scoring off after 10 minutes through winger Jason Saab. Adam Pompey was denied a four-pointer after the centre crashed over, but an early obstruction was detected.
However, Johnson's effort would not be scrubbed as the mercurial halfback was fed a superb offload from Addin Fonua-Blake who had broken through the line.
Johnson was then half of a poor defensive read which allowed Tom Trbojevic to waltz through and regain the lead.
But again the visitors responded, a trademark flying try in the corner for Dallin Watene-Zalezniak to square things up at the break.
Manly reasserted their advantage shortly after oranges, Daly Cherry Evans sending one to the heavens and Ruben Garrick beating Marcelo Montoya in the air to score.
The skies then opened and heavy rain fell on 4 Pine Park, forcing several handling errors.
As the mistakes compounded for the Warriors, Manly eventually took advantage to put the result to bed, Lehi Hopoate with the crucial blow.
The Warriors return to Mount Smart next weekend for their final home game of the year against the Bulldogs and a final chance for fans to pay tribute to one of the club's GOATS.
Scorers:
Sea Eagles 24 (Saab, Trbojevic, Garrick, Hopoate tries, Garrick, 4 goals)
Warriors 10 (Johnson, Watene-Zalezniak, tries, Metcalf, 1 goals)
