The departure of Daly Cherry-Evans from the Manly Sea Eagles at the end of 2025 has sparked significant discussion about how the club will manage his absence. Cherry-Evans, a prominent figure in the team and a premium halfback, announced his decision on a Monday, indicating that he had been contemplating his exit since December. Chief Executive Tony Mestrov supported Cherry-Evans’ sentiments and acknowledged that while they hope to retain him, they are also preparing for a transition.
Mestrov remarked that they have plans in place for the future, but the challenge of replacing a player of Cherry-Evans’ calibre will be immense. He stated, “He’s irreplaceable,” recognising the significant contribution Cherry-Evans has made as both a premiership winner and State of Origin representative. The Sea Eagles may consider reallocating Cherry-Evans’ salary to recruit a marquee playmaker, but such players are rare in the current rugby league landscape.
Among potential replacements are Adam Reynolds, currently unsigned with the Broncos, and Jamal Fogarty, who is not locked in with Canberra. However, Mestrov hinted at a different strategy, expressing optimism about young talents like Onitoni Large and Joey Walsh, who are seen as the future of the club. Large recently joined after showcasing his skills in the lower grades, while Walsh, a promising local athlete, turned his back on rugby union to commit to the NRL.
There are also speculations around reassigning Tom Trbojevic to the five-eighth position once Cherry-Evans leaves, allowing Luke Brooks to take over halfback duties. Trbojevic, despite his success, has faced injury challenges and might find this transition beneficial, depending on the club’s needs.
While Mestrov exuded confidence in the club’s ability to adapt post-Cherry-Evans, he acknowledged the difficult task ahead in maintaining the team’s competitive edge. The Sea Eagles face scrutiny over their long-term strategy following the release of several young talents prior to Cherry-Evans’ announcement.
Ultimately, the club is gearing up for a significant shift, one that could reshape their future as they adjust to life without a player who has been a cornerstone of their success and a steadfast presence on the field.