Spearheaded by a five-star performance from Glenn Stewart, Manly-Warringah turned in a clinical performance to defeat the New Zealand Warriors 24-10 and take out the 2011 NRL premiership. Returning to football after a three-match suspension, Stewart drew a performance right out of the top drawer, scored one try himself and laid on two others in a standout performance that ensured the premiership trophy made its way north of the harbor bridge for the second time in four years.

Honours were even for much of the first half with each set of forwards giving their rival pack a searching examination. The Warriors dodged a bullet when William Hopoate was ruled not to have scored in the twentieth minute. Seven minutes later James Maloney slotted a penalty goal for the Warriors after George Rose was penalised after an indiscretion.

The Eagles hit back immediately when Brett Stewart stormed on to an inside pass from Daly Cherry-Evans to cross for the first try of the match. Lyon converted for Manly to lead 6-2.

An inspired play from Glenn Stewart in the shadows of half-time delivered the Warriors a real body blow. From deep inside his own territory Stewart placed a deft grubber kick that was gathered by a flying Michael Robertson who found Cherry-Evans who scored adjacent to the uprights for Manly to go to the break leading 12-2.

Seventeen minutes into the second half Glenn Stewart scored a well deserved try in right hand corner following a kick regather by William Hopoate who then flicked a miraculous pass inside for the backrower to touch down. Lyon converted from out wide to take a seeming iron grip on the contest at 18-2

The Warriors breathed life back into the contest when Manu Vatuvai capitalised on some dazzling evasiveness by halfback Shaun Johnson. An unsuccessful conversion attempt left Manly ahead 18-6. The Warriors continued their spirited comeback, largely on the back of some smart offloads by Feleti Mateo, resulting in a 68th minute try in the corner to Elijah Taylor. Maloney’s missed conversion from left the Sea Eagles in front 18-10.

Lyon put the result beyond doubt when he scored out wide close to full-time. Departing winger Michael Robertson converted to wrap up the scoring at 24-10.

Sea Eagle backrower Glenn Stewart was a worthy recipient of the Clive Churchill Medal winner. 2008 Churchill winner Brent Kite also turned in a strong performance against the heavyweight Warriors pack, and was ably supported by Anthony Watmough. Manly owe much of their premiership success to their ability to slow down the Warriors at the play the ball, giving their lateral defence ample time to shut down Warriors attacking raids.

Winning captain Jamie Lyon was full of praise for his team and spoke glowingly the effort of halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, “The only fault he’s got is he is a Queenslander!” he quipped.

Victorious coach Des Hasler paid tribute to his charges for their consistency through the season. The Eagles were prepared superbly for the decider by Hasler, who took time to laud the vanquished Warriors. "I think they did themselves proud, a great culture, a great club," he said.

For the Warriors the grand final loss is really a case of “what might have been.” The 14-point margin might be a little deceptive; the Warriors matched it with their opponent and in the second half had actually outscored the Eagles until Lyon’s try in the 38^th minute. At various stages, the Kiwis looked the better outfit, yet failed to convert the chances they created into points on the board.

Manly-Warringah 24 (Brett Stewart, Daly Cherry-Evans, Glenn Stewart, Jamie Lyon tries, Lyon 3, Michael Robertson goals) defeated New Zealand Warriors 10 (Manu Vatuvei, Elijah Taylor tries, James Maloney goal.)

NRL Grand Final Crowd: 81,988