Taylor McDonald floated into the box in the 89^th minute and with control took Darcy Madden's piercing ball, calmly moved beyond Manly United goalkeeper Sam Benton and passed into the net, securing a 1-all draw at WIN Stadium.

This was an occasion designed to pitch the Wolves' credentials in a two-tier A-League competition.

And so while coach Luke Wilkshire was left frustrated, McDonald's finish offered some small nod to Paul Reid's 89^th minute goal in the National Soccer League grand final - on the other side of the country - 21 years ago.

On that day, Wolves came from 3-nil down at half-time against Perth to equalise and win the championship on penalties, their first in the top flight.

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What the Wolves would give to be back among the elite again, particularly on a day where they played a curtain-raiser before the Illawarra's adopted team, Wellington Phoenix, in the 'distance derby' with the Glory.

Adding to the occasion was the Phoenix - based in Wollongong amid Covid travel restrictions - were wearing a Wolves-inspired red and white kit, bringing back memories for the Wollongong faithful.

"We were poor in the beginning, we weren't at our best today," coach Luke Wilkshire said on Sunday.

"But it showed the character of the boys to keep fighting and get something out of it. I'd told Taylor to go forward, he's pretty good aerially, I was hoping for something off his head, but it worked out."

The Wolves had just worked their way into the contest after Manly dominated early, when Richard Cardozo fired into the top corner on 37 minutes.

Manly should have doubled their lead in the 55^th minute when Kieren Paull raced down the right flank and passed to an open goal for Ben Koop, who could only manage to hit the back post.

In response, Marcus Beattie and Hamish Lamberton pressed, so too captain Lachlan Scott, who has his own taste of A-League at Western Sydney Wanderers.

Leroy Jennings fired from distance.

It all proved fruitless until McDonald delivered.

As for the sense of occasion, Wilkshire is adamant it can be added to the vast number of examples the Wolves deserve their place to be at least in a national second division.

"We're a football region, we deserve our chance," Wilkshire said.

"It's a great day to be part of the double-header and you look at the red shirt worn by the Phoenix, it would be great to see the Wolves there back at that level."