Manly Sea Eagles’ CEO, Tony Mestrov, has dismissed any claims of discord between the club, captain Daly Cherry-Evans, and coach Anthony Seibold following Cherry-Evans’ surprising announcement that he would be departing at the end of the season. This revelation, made on Monday night, sparked speculation about his relationship with Seibold.
Mestrov addressed these concerns preemptively during a Tuesday press conference, clarifying the situation. “I want to stress that there is no animosity between Daly and the club,” he asserted, adding that he had spoken to Cherry-Evans shortly before the briefing. According to Mestrov, there are no issues involving Cherry-Evans with either the club, himself, or the coach.
The Sea Eagles’ chief noted that Cherry-Evans had communicated to some teammates that he would be retiring after this season, underscoring that it was now up to the player to explain his choice. He mentioned that the club had previously offered Cherry-Evans a coaching role once he retires, indicating their desire to keep him affiliated with the club despite the impending exit. Additionally, less than an hour after Cherry-Evans’ announcement, Manly made a public two-year contract offer to retain the experienced halfback.
Mestrov emphasised the club’s hope that Cherry-Evans might reconsider his decision, as they remain eager to keep him on board.