Sharks Circle and Strike in Commanding Win Over Manly

Sutherland Sharks took a massive bite out of Manly’s season with a commanding 3–0 victory on Saturday night at Seymour Shaw, delivering their most complete performance of the campaign.

From the opening whistle, the Sharks were relentless—sharp in attack, composed in possession, and unyielding in defence. Goals from Ryley Hollingdale, Tariq Maia, and Lachlan Macdonald capped off a dominant display that left Manly with little answer.

The warning signs came early.

In just the 6th minute, Nicholas Olsen threaded a dangerous through ball into the path of Richard Shoueiki, whose effort forced a full-bodied save from Mackenzie Syron. Moments later, Seung Joo Choi showcased his creativity with a brilliant delivery into the box to pick out Olsen, but Luke Nieuwenhof did well to close him down, ensuring the shot fell safely into Syron’s grasp.

Sutherland’s pressure paid off in spectacular fashion in the 18th minute.

Ryley Hollingdale scored from the corner in what was a quality goal giving the Sharks a deserved 1–0 lead.

Choi continued to be a constant menace down the flank, surging forward again in the 23rd minute before being halted by a well-timed intervention from Matthew O’Donoghue.

Manly struggled to gain a foothold but showed glimpses late in the first half. Max Burgess fired over in the 36th minute, while Nieuwenhof came close with a header before the break, only to see his effort drift harmlessly out of play.

The visitors attempted to lift the tempo in the second half, but clear-cut chances remained elusive. O’Donoghue tried his luck from long range early after the restart, but his effort sailed wide for a goal kick. Saxon Hillyer then produced a driving run in the 62nd minute, only to blaze his shot over the bar.

Manly continued to press, and Ayumu Kimura came closest in the 68th minute with a dazzling run past two defenders before unleashing a powerful strike that was well blocked by Danijel Nizic.

Despite Manly’s improved urgency, it was Sutherland who delivered the decisive blow.

In the 75th minute, a flowing team move carved open the defence, with Yianni Nicolaou instrumental in the build-up before Tariq Maia calmly slotted into an almost empty net to double the advantage.

With confidence soaring, the Sharks put the result beyond doubt in the 84th minute. Shoueiki sparked the move with a surging run that left Manly’s defence scrambling, before unselfishly squaring the ball to Lachlan Macdonald, who finished with ease in what felt like a training-ground move.

The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive victory for Sutherland, sealing their second clean sheet of the season and a third win overall. For Manly, the struggles continue, as they are left searching for answers after another difficult outing.

It was a performance full of intent, precision, and authority—one that signals Sutherland are finding their rhythm and becoming a serious force as the season unfolds.

Match Stats

Sutherland Sharks 3 (Ryley Hollingdale 18’, Tariq Maia 75’, Lachlan Macdonald 84’)

Manly United 0

Saturday 28 March, 2026

Seymour Shaw

Referee: Mia Velarde

Assistant Referees: Amirhossein Hosnani and Arinath Gobinath

Fourth Official: Luke Chapman

Sutherland Sharks: 1.Danijel Nizic, (2.Lachlan Macdonald 66’), 3.Yianni Nicolaou, 4.Thijs Van Amerongen, 5.Jordan Perez, 6.Ryley Hollingdale, 7.Takumi Ofuka, 8.Brendan Gan, 10.Tariq Maia, 11.Seung Joo Choi, (16.Jacob Mclachlan 88’), 17.Richard Shoueiki, 21.Nicholas Olsen, (22.Tye Mcgowan 66’)

Substitutes not used: 12.James Husoy, 18.Guy Fiorese, 20.Jackson Barter, 24.Dane Anderson

Yellow Cards: None

Red cards: None

Manly United: 3.Matthew O’Donoghue, 4.Jesse Piriz, 5.Aaron O’Driscoll, 6.Saxon Hillyer, 7.Stephan De Robillard, (8.Kakeru Ono 68’), (9.Benjamin Koop 55’), 10.Darcy Burgess, 11.Ayumu Kimura, (15.Max Martinello 76’), 18.Luke Nieuwenhof, 19.Cai Evans, (32.Jared Muir 68’), 33.Jasper Chipman, 99.Mackenzie Syron

Substitutes not used: 2.Luka Krizan, 21.Harry Turner, 26.Yannis Frerck

Yellow Cards: Saxon Hillyer 66’

Red Cards: None

Player Ratings

3 – Nicholas Olsen (SS)

2 – Yianni Nicolaou (SS)

1 – Ryley Hollingdale (SS)