Daly Cherry-Evans, the current captain of the Manly Sea Eagles, has confirmed he will depart the club at the conclusion of the NRL season. The halfback, whose contract is expiring, has indicated that he will not return to play for Manly next year, a revelation that has surprised many fans who have only known him to play for the Sea Eagles since his debut in 2011.
9News Sydney reporter Danny Weidler broke the news, stating that Cherry-Evans has made the decision to leave the club. The reasons behind his departure, whether he plans to retire or pursue opportunities with another club, remain uncertain. Weidler noted that Cherry-Evans may make himself available for recruitment elsewhere in the NRL.
As speculation mounts regarding his future, it has been reported that the Sea Eagles have been preparing for life after Cherry-Evans. Rumours suggest that the club is considering reshuffling their roster, with plans for Tom Trbojevic to transition to five-eighth and Luke Brooks taking over the halfback position, along with Lehi Hopoate potentially stepping into the fullback role.
Cherry-Evans has had a notable career with the Sea Eagles, having played in 332 games throughout his time at the club. His departure marks the end of an era for both the player and the team, given his long-standing commitment to the Northern Beaches side. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how this situation unfolds and what it means for both Cherry-Evans and Manly’s future.