In the build-up to the first week of the finals, halfback Matt Orford won the Dally M Medal, beating out Melbourne Storm stars Billy Slater and Cameron Smith. On the back of this recognition, Orford led Manly to a comprehensive 38–6 victory over the St. George Illawarra Dragons in the Qualifying Final at Brookvale Oval, earning the side a two-week rest and a home Preliminary Final at the Sydney Football Stadium. Another strong victory, this time a 32–6 win over the New Zealand Warriors, ensured a rematch of the 2007 NRL Grand Final against the Melbourne Storm.