Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans unleashes on a perceived ‘smear campaign’ following his decision to quit the club

Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans was clearly emotional in a dramatic post-match press conference, claiming he endured an “ugly, hurtful and nasty smear campaign” which fans “saw right through “ after revealing his shock exit from the club.

In an extraordinary aftermath to his side’s win over Parramatta, Manly skipper Daly Cherry-Evans claimed he endured an “ugly, hurtful and nasty smear campaign” which fans “saw right through “ after revealing his shock exit from the Sea Eagles.

Cherry-Evans stubbornly refused to reveal who was behind maligning his character but was clearly emotional and direct in a dramatic post-match media conference following Manly’s 26-12 win over at Brookvale Oval.

“I know who it’s coming from but it’s not appropriate to talk about it, but you guys (the media) obviously know where it’s coming from as well,” he said.

“But people are aware of it and I don’t mind the fact I have made people aware of it. There is a human element and your emotions and feelings do get hurt.”

In a bid to win the PR battle, Cherry-Evans performed his own post-match lap of honour with one of his daughters, where he applauded fans, offered high-fives, signed autographs and posed for selfies.

The drama came as Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic left Brookvale Oval in a knee brace and will miss up to six weeks with an MCL injury.

Cherry-Evans clearly wanted to vent his frustrations after full-time and indulged in an astonishing media conference where he claimed there was a “smear campaign” against him since his shock announcement last Monday.

“Obviously there was a fair bit spoken after the announcement on Monday night and I feel like it could have ended pretty quickly early in the week but it obviously didn’t,” Cherry-Evans said.

“It means conversations were continuing to happen outside of the ones happening between the club and I, so that’s where I feel it got a bit nasty and ugly.”

Daly Cherry Evans acknowledges his supporters after Manly’s win. Photo: Tom Parrish

Daly Cherry Evans signs autographs for his supporters after the match. Photo: Tom Parrish

Pressed on whether he felt the media had been prompted to write certain stories, Cherry-Evans said: “Yeah.”

Asked by whom, he said: “I’m not sure – or maybe I am but I’m not telling.

“I’m obviously a private person so anything that’s in the media when it comes to speculation, I obviously don’t love that side of it. But I’m part of it, I’ve owned my stuff, that’s really important in all this, but the extra stuff that pops up here and there, that’s the sort of stuff you can’t control but it does hurt you at times. You just have to move on.

“I’m all right with the speculation on where I am going but there are other details that aren’t about that.

“There were times during the week when it was a little bit hurtful but because I’m a bit older and wiser, and because I am so content with the decision I have made, it doesn’t last too long, to be completely honest.

A Daly Cherry-Evans fan in the stands. Picture: NRL Photos

“While it’s hard not to take things personally sometimes because we’re all human, one thing I have gotten good at controlling the things you can control and keeping your focus on the things that are important, which is your footy side and your family so I did that the best I could this week.

“I didn’t like that it was all about me but I loved the fact we came out here and stayed focused and got the two points.”

There was a massive sign which read DALY STAY at the northern end of the ground while a cheeky XXXX beer promotion saw a parked truck outside 4 Pines Park carrying a slogan, clearly hoping Cherry-Evans would with the Dolphins, which stated: “Daly, come home to the state that gives a XXXX.”

A smattering of isolated boos confronted Cherry-Evans when his name and photo flashed up on the venue’s big screen pre-game. Certainly there were thousands more supporters rallying behind Cherry-Evans.

“My two biggest worries were how it affected the team and the reception, definitely I was a bit nervous,” Cherry-Evans said.

“Honestly, I was really emotional today and when I heard the hill supporting me … I was a little worried it wasn’t going to go that way based on what was being put in the media but I reckon they saw right through it and made me so proud.

“I get this decision isn’t going to make everyone happy. Today I was really proud to be the captain of this club. The hill was amazing.”

When Cherry-Evans took his place in front of the Bob Fulton Stand before kick-off, the fans clapped and waved at their hero. It even certainly sounded like they were chanting ‘Cherry, Cherry.’ Cherry-Evans offered polite applause in return.

SEA EAGLES CRUISE PAST EELS

-David Lyall

Daly Cherry-Evans and Manly have put a week of turmoil behind them, even if it was just for a few hours, cruising past Parramatta at 4 Pines Park on Sunday afternoon.

Despite the win, all was not rosy for Manly with Tom Trbojevic suffering another injury and failing to finish the match.

After a week of almost 24-hour-a-day commentary following one of the most publicised and bizarre player movements ever seen in the NRL, Manly fans were unwavering in their support for the star half and his team as they ran out 26-12 winners.

The Sea Eagles will now face an uncertain period worrying about Trbojevic’s fitness after the star fullback’s match ended at half time courtesy of a knee injury.

Manly coach Anthony Seibold said he expected Trbojevic to be out of action for at least a month.

“So, he obviously needs scans, but it looks like it’s an MCL, which, again, we’ll get scans tomorrow.

“Normally those types of injuries are around about five or six weeks.”

Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic picked up a knee injury. Picture: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous

FAMILIAR FACE

Dylan Walker played 124 of his 232 NRL games for Manly so the incoming Parramatta utility would have found it easy to find 4 Pines Park today.

Walker, who was released by the Warriors this week on compassionate grounds so he could join the Eels, was strolling around the concourse at Brookvale in his new club’s kit, talking with fans, many of whom loved him during his time on the northern beaches.

The NSW Blues and Kangaroos capped Walker will be available for selection for Parramatta’s next match against the Dragons at CommBank Stadium on Saturday.