The Round 25, 2011 clash at Brookvale Oval was supposed to be a heavyweight meeting between the NRL's top two teams, but it became one of the competition's most infamous all-in brawls. Manly were already leading when Melbourne interchange forward Ryan Hinchcliffe struck Darcy Lussick near the Sea Eagles' line, provoking a confrontation between the pair. Adam Blair and Glenn Stewart joined the altercation and were initially sent to the sin bin. The disorder escalated on the way to the dressing rooms, where Blair and Stewart became involved in a larger melee that drew in players, coaching and training staff, and even members of the benches. Brett Stewart later said he had entered the fight to defend his older brother Glenn. Officials upgraded Blair and Stewart's punishments to send-offs, meaning both would take no further part in the match.
The violence was especially jarring because it followed a serious neck injury to Manly winger David Williams earlier in the half. Melbourne fullback Billy Slater, who had tackled Williams as the winger struck Slater's chest with the top of his head, immediately recognized the danger, cradled Williams, and prevented him or others from moving until medical staff arrived. Slater's conduct was widely praised, in sharp contrast to the five-minute brawl that followed. Manly ultimately won 18–4, while the NRL Judiciary charged at least ten players and two officials. Stewart was suspended for three matches, Blair for five, and both clubs were fined $50,000. NRL chief executive David Gallop called the mass fighting and bench involvement a 'horrendous look for the game.'
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