In the most anticipated game of the weekend, bitter rivals Manly and Parramatta would face of for the men’s Waratah title. The Wildcats got off to a great start and opened up a handy lead early on. Led by point forward Graeme Dann and point Luke Martin, Parramatta held off a late Manly surge to lead by 4 at the first break.

Parramatta 22 – 18

The Wildcats continued their great play in the second, with the margin blowing to double digits midway through the quarter. But just when the Sea Eagles looked shot, league MVP Ben Arkell took over, hitting consecutive threes and a few other driving plays to get Manly back square. However, a Goran Veg three point prayer just before the buzzer gave the Wildcats the lead again. At the main break, it was Parramatta by 3.

Parramatta 46 – 43

The Wildcats again got out to another strong start fighting off every Manly challenge. The Sea Eagles hit three deep bombs and got the crowd off their seats. Luke Martin again was rock solid, as was centre Goran Veg with several driving dunks. A Karl King three at the buzzer closed the Wildcats gap to just 3.

Parramatta 80 – 77

The high-scoring, high-level of play continued in the fourth, in what turned out to be the most thrilling and exciting game of the finals weekend. In a classic shootout, Sea Eagles star Ben Arkell was brilliant, scoring 38, while Wildcats guard Luke Martin also scored 38. Manly would see their first lead of the game in the fourth, but it was the Wildcats who held their nerve, taking out the title in a waratah classic, by 5 points.

Parramatta 109 - 104

Defensive Player of the game: Goran Veg - Parramatta

MVP: Luke Martin – Parramatta