Dragons Embarrassed as Reuben Garrick Dashes Past Origin Star for Spectacular 95m Try

While Anthony Seibold may no longer be at the helm, Manly demonstrated their ability to execute a long-distance try, with Reuben Garrick dazzling fans by scoring from the kick-off against the Dragons at WIN Stadium.

The early shift into enemy territory, a signature strategy during Seibold’s tenure, remained intact as Garrick sprinted 85 metres to secure the try.

After a touchdown from Tom Trbojevic, the Dragons kicked off to Jason Saab, who carried the ball before an opportunistic pass found Garrick in space. Dragons winger Christian Tuipulotu had moved inward, leaving halfback Kyle Flanagan exposed, and Garrick was left without a mark.

The Manly centre deftly navigated around a lacklustre tackle from Valentine Holmes and looked comfortable finishing the play, extending the lead to 16-0 within just 17 minutes.

“A devastating blow for the Dragons…. their fire has been extinguished,” remarked Fox League commentator Andrew Voss.

Earlier in the match, Tuipulotu had received treatment for five minutes due to an injury but continued playing. However, after Garrick’s try, he exited the field, seemingly nursing a knee issue.

It was a dismal start for the beleaguered Dragons. Garrick opened the scoring as early as the seventh minute when Saab leaped to catch a Jamal Fogarty kick, then passed back to a juggling Garrick, who fell over the line.

Watch the 2026 NRL season live and free on Nine and 9Now.

The second try came from Trbojevic as Manly probed close to the line on their second tackle. The fullback faked to the right and slipped past Flanagan for another score.

Injuries continued to plague the Dragons, with Moses Suli forced to exit the field for a head injury assessment after suffering a stray boot to the face with 11 minutes remaining.

Jake Trbojevic also had to go off at the same time, sporting a noticeable cut beneath his right eye.

Trbojevic’s exit spurred a Dragons resurgence, with Luciano Leilua scoring off a quick tap just metres from the line.

“Manly left embarrassed at the restart,” Voss commented.

Jacob Liddle then added another try, closing the gap to 16-12 with just five minutes to go. Just before half-time, it seemed Shane Flanagan’s side could equalise, but Setu Tu failed to secure the ball over the line.