Manly

Meanwhile, the Tigers desperately need a win this week if they want to avoid an unwanted first.

TOUGH WITHOUT TOM

The news of Tom Trbojevic being out of the Manly side for up to six weeks no doubt sent shivers up many spines on the Northern Beaches as Manly are a completely different side with him in the side compared without.

Since 2019 Manly has won over 70 per cent of the matches ‘Turbo’ plays in and just a third of their games with him missing.

In the biggest game of their careers, Manly’s players and coach Des Hasler watched on in disbelief as their bus arrived late to pick them up before they were stuck in horrendous traffic and eventually required a police escort only to arrive at Suncorp Stadium just 30 minutes before they were meant to run out for a delayed kick-off.

Manly’s players each recall the crazy series of events a little differently, but they all agree it wasn’t the ideal preparation for the biggest night of their rugby league careers.

Hasler's men trailed 12-0 at half-time after Canberra dominated with some committed defence but found enough of a groove to sweep home and put themselves in the top four for the time being.

A 78th-minute field goal from Daly Cherry-Evans ended up the difference as Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad scored with 30 seconds to go.

"We probably needed that game, actually, and it's come at a good time," Hasler said after Friday's match at Suncorp Stadium.

The Manly Sea Eagles hooker was charged with three offences after allegedly stabbing a man during a brawl at a Mormon church function in late October last year.

Fainu, 21, pleaded not guilty to a number of charges including wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, recklessly causing grievous bodily harm in company and affray.

Kaniva News reports the most serious charge – intent to cause grievous bodily harm – carries a maximum sentence of 25 years

The Sea Eagles led 24-12 at half time and scored eight tries to two.

Daly Cherry-Evans scored twice for Manly and kicked seven goals.

Isaiah Papali'i and Issac Luke scored first half tries for the Warriors.

It's the first win of the season for Manly, while it's the second straight loss for the Warriors.

Top-flight sport returns to the city on Saturday when Manly stage a "home" match at Christchurch Stadium a fortnight after the mass shootings at two mosques which claimed 50 lives.

New Zealand has been placed on a high threat alert since and police have reminded event organisers nationwide to be aware that a proliferation of memorial events has the potential to stretch law enforcement resources.

However, a large police presence remains in Christchurch and will be out in force at Friday's National Remembrance Service at Hagley Park.

The 27-year-old has been stalled on 149 games since an ankle injury picked up in the 70th minute of the club's 26-4 win over Wests Tigers last month.

After scoring his 61st career try in the victory, Johnson was then forced to miss the last three outings against the Sydney Roosters, Parramatta and South Sydney.

With his seventh appearance this year, the club's record points-scorer (825 points) will become the 12th member of the Vodafone Warriors' 150-game club having made his debut against the Roosters in 2011 and his 100th against the same opposition in 2015.

The governing body confirmed the Sharks would be slugged $30,000 and the Sea Eagles $20,000 after Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan and Manly's Trent Barrett both lashed the whistleblowers after their week-one finals exits.

Both clubs appealed their penalties after they were handed down a fortnight ago, however NRL head of football Brian Canavan said neither would be granted reductions in their fines.

"Given the seriousness of the breaches - and the need for the integrity of the game to be maintained - it was decided that the penalties should stand," Canavan said.

The Storm players spoke early in the week about ensuring they delivered a fitting performance in Smith's milestone game.

Scoring seven tries to one at AAMI Park in Melbourne, they did so in spades.

And captain Smith, as usual, was front and centre despite taking a pectoral injury into the game.

The 34-year-old topped his team's tackle count and had four try assists.

"The players really put in a big effort for Cameron," coach Craig Bellamy said.

Sironen will meet with surgeons on Tuesday, where he is likely to be told he will need surgery after getting caught awkwardly attempting a tackle in Sunday's win over Cronulla.

His absence will take some serious air out of a flying Sea Eagles side that have surged into the top four for the first time since 2014.

The former Wests Tigers forward is considered one of the most improved players in the competition this year following his move to the northern beaches over the summer.