The club further boosted its roster for the 2006, with the signings of Orford and centre Steve Bell from Melbourne. The club overcome a slow start to finish the regular season fifth and a match against the Newcastle Knights in the first week of finals. Despite an early lead, the Sea Eagles were run down in a physical encounter, eventually losing 25–18. The following week, Manly struggled for any impact against the St. George Illawarra Dragons, losing 28–0 to finish their tilt at the premiership.