Daly Cherry-Evans’ decision to quit Manly Sea Eagles doesn’t add up

Daly Cherry-Evans insists there is no animosity between himself and Manly but it seems hard to believe given he is about to turn his back on a big deal and walk out the door. BRENT READ analyses the bombshell contract call.

Gotta say, I walked away with more questions than answers after watching an edgy Daly Cherry-Evans discuss his future on Monday night.

Cherry-Evans isn’t overly at ease being in the spotlight and he shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he addressed the latest speculation over his future.

As he noted after Manly’s big win on Sunday night, he is a private person. It’s a side of the game he struggled with early in his career but he has become an adept media performer later in life.

Daly Cherry-Evans is in the spotlight over his NRL future. Picture: Getty Images

Still there was an unease as he spoke about his future on 100% Footy. Only hours after news broke that he was on his way out of Manly, Cherry-Evans confirmed he would leave the Sea Eagles at the end of the season.

He said he didn’t know whether he would go on next year but he felt good right now and wouldn’t rule it out.

He said because he wasn’t ready to make a call, he wanted to do the right thing by Manly and give them time and space to move on.

The only problem is that the Sea Eagles don’t want to move on. They want Daly to stay and they are happy to hand him a lucrative extension.

Two years thank you very much. Upwards of $1.4 million. Big money for a bloke who is about to turn 37 years old early next year.

Still, small change for a halfback who is still at the top of his game. Hence the deal that they ratified on Monday night and made public via NRL360 just before Cherry-Evans’ appearance on 100% Footy, where he confirmed his plans to depart the club that has been his home for more than 15 years.

Something doesn’t add up. Cherry-Evans insists there is no animosity or angst between himself and the club but it seems hard to believe given he is about to turn his back on a big deal and walk out the door.

In one breath he says he wants to give Manly the opportunity to move on. At the same time, he says he can’t rule out playing on so in effect he is asking another club to keep money up their sleeve should he decide to continue his career.

Manly are happy to do just that for him. They want an answer at some point reasonably soon, but if push comes to shove they would likely give Cherry-Evans time and space to decide his future.

It feels like other forces are at play. Like another club is lingering in the background looking to tempt the Queensland and Australian star with the chance to continue playing and chase a premiership.

If Cherry-Evans heads down that path, I reckon that would be a shame. On Sydney’s northern beaches, he is part of the community. A fortnight or so ago, I ventured down to Warringah Mall and there was Cherry-Evans with his wife Vessa having a bite to eat in the food court.

Some bloke wandered up to say gidday, but otherwise they were left to themselves. They just looked like a regular couple. Only there’s nothing regular about Cherry-Evans. He has been a part of the football club and the local area for as long as most can remember.

He almost left once but stayed and cemented a legacy that stamped him as one of the greatest players in the club’s history.

Daly Cherry-Evans is part of the community on Sydney’s northern beaches. Picture: NRL Photos

Regardless of what Cherry-Evans does, he will always be a Manly legend. That said, it won’t have the same ring to it if he finishes his career at the Roosters. Or the Dolphins. Or the Dragons.

He will have options because he remains an influential player with the ability to dictate the outcome of matches on a regular basis. He will get plenty of money thrown at him wherever he lands.

Still, you have to wonder why he wants to leave a club that has been his home for so long. Which explains why we all sat down on Monday night hoping for some answers. I can’t say I got any. The only person more confused than me was my wife.

She reckons Cherry-Evans is headed back to the Dolphins. Her guess is as good as anyone’s. It’s as clear as mud

Originally published as Daly Cherry-Evans’ decision to quit Manly Sea Eagles doesn’t add up