Manly has scored a try with 97 seconds remaining to beat a courageous 12-man Cronulla 18-16 at a packed Brookvale Oval.
The Sharks, who had prop Luke Douglas controversially sent off for a high shot on Chris Bailey in the 27th minute, looked like holding on for a remarkable victory when they led by two points with less than two minutes on the clock.
But a dubious play-the-ball penalty put the Sea Eagles deep in attack and centre Ben Farrar crossed out wide to snatch an undeserved victory before a crowd of 15,844.
Douglas, who has played 97 consecutive first grade games, was dismissed by rookie referee Phil Haines with the Sharks holding a 10-0 lead.
The inexperienced Haines didn't take any advice from the video referee before sending a stunned Douglas off for an incident which most felt deserved to be penalised and placed on report.
Seconds after the Cronulla front-rower left the field, Manly scored its first try through Michael Robertson.
Premiership-winning coach Warren Ryan said of the send-off: "That was ridiculous. I am absolutely shocked."
Cronulla skipper Luke Covell clashed heatedly with the referee after the send off.
The dismissal completely overshadowed Brett Stewart's return to football after 18 weeks out with a knee injury.
Stewart had a quiet match, rarely injecting himself in the game and looking uncharacteristically sluggish at times.
Cronulla stunned the big pro-Manly crowd by scoring the first try after eight minutes.
Scott Porter's cross field kick was spilt by Steve Matai and Covell was on hand to claim the four pointer.
The try-scorer nailed the conversion for a shock 6-0 lead.
Cowell kicked penalty goals at the 17th and 22nd minute mark minutes to increase the Sharks' advantage to 10-0.
But tries to Robertson and Anthony Warmouth saw the Sea Eagles restore parity at 10-all after 31 minutes.
In an emotional half-time address, Sharks coach Ricky Stuart challenged his side to beat the premiers with 12 men.
They started the second half the right way, scoring seven minutes in.
Porter's grubber kick bounced awkwardly above Robertson's head, the ball falling loose for Grant Millington to reverse, pick up possession and power between two defenders to edge Cronulla ahead 14-10.
Covell cranked up the pressure on Manly with a penalty 61st minute penalty goal.
The Sea Eagles' revival began with a try to Robertson 15 minutes from the end.
Stewart, who had hardly been sighted, threw the last pass for the winger to squeeze over in the corner.
The wind got hold of Orford's conversion, leaving the Sharks up 16-14.
Cronulla looked to have done enough to secure the upset of the season until Farrar popped up for the match winner.
