Manly coach Trent Barrett celebrated like he’d won the NRL premiership after watching his embattled Sea Eagles snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Shark Park.

After a season from hell, Barrett had good reason to punch the air in delight and high-five everyone in his coaches’ box after Daly Cherry-Evans’ left-footed golden-point field goal in a 33-32 triumph over Cronulla on Sunday.

The victory was only his side’s sixth of 2018 and came eight days after the Sea Eagles conceded four tries in the last seven minutes to lose the un-loseable against Penrith.

A 15th loss of the year would also have left Manly equal last on the ladder and in serious danger of “winning” a first wooden spoon in the proud club’s 71-year history.

“I’ve nearly had a few heart attacks the last few weeks,” Barrett said.

“It was a terrific effort. I’m just really happy for the players; the way they bounced back after the heartbreak of last week.

“That was a tough game to review last week and they’ve dusted themselves off and hung in and hung in.”

Barrett admitted the strain of the Sea Eagles’ turbulent year had also taken a personal toll.

“It has been difficult,” he said.

“It’s hard on everyone and I’m no different to any other coach.

“It’s a tough job and I think a lot of coaches go through the emotions or have seasons like the one we’ve had.

“But the most pleasing thing for me is to sit in there and see how happy the players are.”

Barrett said Cherry-Evans’ left-foot shot was “no fluke” given his star playmaker practised drop goals off both feet at training every day.