By Damien McCartney, Liam O’Loughlin and Lachlan Harper – March 23, 2025

Brookvale, NSW – In an electric atmosphere at 4 Pines Park, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles delivered a statement victory, thrashing the Canberra Raiders 40-12 in Round 3 of the NRL Telstra Premiership. Headlined by a sensational double hat-trick from winger Reuben Garrick, Manly bounced back from last week’s stumble against the Warriors in emphatic fashion.

But the celebration was bittersweet. The victory came at a cost, with prop Taniela Paseka suffering a suspected Achilles injury, and an emotional moment involving Ben Trbojevic—who was denied a touching tribute try for his late grandfather—left fans both uplifted and heartbroken.

⚡ Garrick Goes Full Beast Mode: Six Tries and No Mercy

Reuben Garrick was simply unstoppable. The 27-year-old speedster ran riot against a sluggish Raiders defensive line, bagging six tries in a jaw-dropping performance that will go down in club history. His blistering pace, timing, and positioning were on full display, leaving Canberra defenders clutching at air.

His performance marks one of the rare double hat-tricks in modern NRL history and firmly places him among the top contenders for the Dally M Winger of the Year—if not more.

“It’s one of those days where everything just clicks,” Garrick told 9Now post-match. “The boys kept giving me the space, and I just had to finish. This one’s for the fans at Brooky—they were unreal today.”

💔 Tragedy Strikes: Paseka’s Injury Shakes Team

The Sea Eagles’ momentum was dealt a blow midway through the second half when Taniela Paseka went down awkwardly, clutching his ankle. The big man was helped from the field and taken down the tunnel for further assessment.

Club officials later confirmed that the feared Achilles injury is under evaluation, and scans will determine the extent of the damage.

“It’s devastating,” said Coach Anthony Seibold. “Taniela’s been huge for us this year, and we’re hoping for the best. He’s one of the hardest workers in this squad.”

🎗️ Tribute Denied: Ben Trbojevic’s Emotional Moment

In what could’ve been the feel-good moment of the year, Ben Trbojevic thought he had scored a heartfelt try dedicated to his recently passed grandfather. After crashing over the line and pointing to the sky, the bunker intervened, ruling the ball was held up.

The try was denied, but the moment was not forgotten.

“That was for Pop,” Ben said, visibly emotional. “He would’ve loved being here. Even though it didn’t count, I know he saw it.”

🚨 Game Recap: Blowout at Brooky

First Half:
Manly came out firing, piling on five unanswered tries with clinical ball movement and relentless pressure. Garrick opened the scoring and never looked back. Luke Brooks and Daly Cherry-Evans controlled the tempo, with Tom Trbojevic back at fullback looking dangerous.

Second Half:
Manly extended the lead to 40-0 before Canberra finally found the scoreboard through Sebastian Kris and later Hudson Young, but it was too little, too late.

Final Score: Manly Sea Eagles 40 – Canberra Raiders 12

🧠 Injury & HIA Report

• Taniela Paseka – Achilles injury, did not return.

• Morgan Smithies (Raiders) – Failed HIA after reporting feeling unwell at halftime. Ruled out for the second half.

📺 Watch Highlights

The full match replay and highlights are available on Nine and 9Now, where fans can relive Garrick’s dazzling six-try masterpiece.

🎯 What’s Next?

The Sea Eagles will look to keep the momentum going as they prepare to face the Parramatta Eels in Round 4, while the Raiders need to regroup quickly after this heavy loss.

Stay tuned for more post-match reaction, exclusive interviews, and injury updates from around the NRL.