Manly concede Daly Cherry-Evans will leave the club after star halfback turns down latest offer

The Sea Eagles have lifted the lid on the Daly Cherry-Evans contract situation after one final attempt to keep him at Manly.

Daly Cherry-Evans has turned down a last-ditch bid from Manly to keep the star halfback at the club.

In a statement on Thursday, the Sea Eagles conceded defeat, announcing their skipper had officially declined a new two-year contract offer and conceded he would be leaving at season’s end.

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It comes after Cherry-Evans shocked the NRL world on Monday by revealing he would be playing on next year at a different club, and even sensationally turned down a $1.5m two-year offer, tabled to him minutes after he announced he would be leaving the club.

“Look respectfully … no (I won’t take it),” he said on 100% Footy on Monday night in response to Manly’s $1.5m two-year offer.

“As I said I’ve been sleeping on this decision since December, so talking to my family we’re okay with the decision … we’re at peace with it and we understand that it’s not going to make everyone happy and there’s going to be a lot of Manly fans that are really upset with this.

“I understand that but as a family and a friendship group, we’ve been aware of it for a while now and now it’s public it’ll be big news and I get that but we’re content with it.”

Daly Cherry-Evans. Picture: NRL Photos

However, Manly CEO Tony Mestrov said on Tuesday, the club would do whatever it takes to try and change his mind.

But Mestrov ultimately conceded defeat on Thursday, announcing the Sea Eagles’ most capped player will leave the club after 15 years.

“Obviously we are all disappointed that Daly has decided to end his stay at Manly, but we respect his decision,” Mestrov said.

“Only Daly knows what is right for him and his family.

“We do know that he is the ultimate professional and he will want to go out a winner.”

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov (pictured) says the club has to come to terms with losing DCE. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)

Cherry-Evans is yet to decide whether he will hang up the boots after this season and says his immediate focus is Sunday’s home game against the Parramatta Eels.

“I wanted to confirm I was leaving the Club now, rather than making a call later in the season so that we can get on with our goal of winning a premiership,” he said.

“I love this club and this group of players.

“I am fully committed to giving my absolute best over the coming months to make this season the best it can possibly be for our team, our club, and our fans.”

Originally published as Manly concede Daly Cherry-Evans will leave the club after star halfback turns down latest offer