Kieran Foran's men have been the best defensive team in the competition since he took charge in round five, letting in just 13.7 points per game across the past six games.
And that streak has come at a time where points have never been more free-flowing to start the NRL season, with this year on track to be the highest-scoring of all time.
Manly's defensive resolve has been key in their charge from the bottom of the ladder to sit just outside the top four, and also marks a significant shift in the club's football.
Long regarded as one of the NRL's most entertaining teams, the Sea Eagles have also been guilty of opening the floodgates in matches throughout this decade.
But star second-rower Haumole Olakau'atu said that no longer should be the case, with the 88 points they have conceded Manly's least through a six-game run since 2021.
If they can keep Wests Tigers to less than 20 points on Saturday at Magic Round, it will also mark the first time Manly have done so to teams in seven straight games since their premiership year of 2008.
"That's our identity from now on," Olakau'atu said.
"It's something our head coach Foz prides himself on. For him to instil that in us and give us the belief that we can be the best defensive team in the comp.
"Something we went after (last) week was winning the first two tackles and it obviously showed (against Brisbane).
"It's our identity and it's how it should be from now on."
Olakau'atu is one of several improved players in Manly's team under Foran, with the interim coach now appearing almost certain to be handed the keys long-term.
Luke Brooks is playing his best football since arriving at Manly in 2024, while Brandon Wakeham has impressed at No.9 after being given a lifeline by Anthony Seibold.
Two of Manly's Manly wins have come without Tom Trbojevic over the past three weeks, while Foran has backed youngster Clayton Faulalo to fill the superstar No.1's boots.
Their forward pack has also improved out of sight, albeit with their depth now likely to be tested with Siua Taukeiaho and Corey Waddell out with long-term injuries.
But the biggest change remains in defence, after the team conceded 98 points in the first three games under Seibold compared to 88 in the six games since.
"Field position helps. It's something we try and go after in there of we don't want to be defending our tryline time and time again," Foran said.
"It sounds simple, but you want to get through your sets and play the game down the other end.
"In order to do that you've got to invest in the efforts parts of the game and the boys have been investing in that and they're getting the reward."
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