CARL Manu has collected the past two Anderson Medals and the Maitland outside centre delivered again to snatch the Blacks a last-ditch 21-17 win over Wanderers in the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union season opener at Marcellin Park on Saturday.
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The Blacks trailed 17-14 with time almost up, when the ball was shifted to Manu just inside Wanderers' half.
The block-busting centre stepped off his right foot to fracture the defensive line and then beat three attempted tackles in a 35 metre run to crash over beside the posts.
It was the first time the Blacks had been in front all game.
Wanderers' defence had been outstanding up until when it mattered most.
The Two Blues led 10-0 at half-time, 10-7 early in the second and 17-7 after 55 minutes.
There was a touch of symmetry to Manu scoring the winner with the Maitland skipper accepting the game ball to kick off the season after a spectacular opening ceremony featuring a team of five sky divers.
The team descended onto the Marcellin Park with pinpoint accuracy much to the delight a big home crowd which was also present for the official naming of the Todd Bowd Pavillion.
It was a fairy tale end to a huge day for the Blacks with former skipper Chris Logan lining up at fullback after deciding on Thursday to end his code-hopping plans to play rugby league with Kurri Kurri and to return to the Blacks for season 2019.