Manly had pieced together three wins in a row with an impressive win over Melbourne only enhacing their confidence levels after a previously tricky period of the season.
However, Canterbury burst the Sea Eagles' bubble before the Sydney Roosters, Canberra and the Wests Tigers all inflicted more misery on Anthony Seibold's side as they all but slipped out of finals contention.
Manly will now host the Dolphins knowing they simply have to win while also relying on other clubs to do them favours.
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Manly Sea Eagles NRL game this week
The Sea Eagles take on the Phins at 4 Pines Park on Saturday, August 23 at 3:00pm (AEST).
Sea Eagles confirmed team list for Round 25
1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolutau Koula
4. Tommy Talau
5. Lehi Hopoate
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Matthew Lodge
9. Jake Simpkin
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Corey Waddell
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jazz Tevaga
14. Aaron Schoupp
15. Caleb Navale
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Tof Sipley
18. Michael Chee Kam
19. Clayton Faulalo
20. Joey Walsh
21. Simione Laiafi
22. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
Sea Eagles latest team news:
Manly failed to show up against the Tigers last week despite their finals hopes going on the line.
Reuben Garrick suffered a shoulder injury during the defeat and has been replaced in the centres by Tommy Talau.
Meanwhile, Lehi Hopoate will continue on the wing and Tom Trbojevic at fullback.
Jazz Tevaga was moved to lock last week in the absence of Jake Trbojevic and remains in the No.13 jersey with doubts surrounding Trbojevic's return from a concussion this season.
Aaron Schoupp is the fresh face on the bench for the Sea Eagles.
Taniela Paseka is nearing a return from a foot injury that has sidelined him for the majority of the campaign, while Nathan Brown is unlikely to feature again this year due to a biceps injury.
Brown is joined in the casualty ward by the likes of Josh Aloiai and Haumole Olakau'atu.