Manly and State of Origin gun backflips, throws future in doubt

The future of a Manly superstar and State of Origin stalwart has been thrown into doubt, prompting talk of a shock switch.

Manly skipper Daly Cherry-Evans has reportedly backflipped on his decision to definitely play on in 2026, with Tom Trbojevic looming as a potential replacement in the halves.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported Cherry-Evans has told Manly he wants to wait and see how 2025 unfolds before committing to the 2026 season, which would be his 16th in the NRL.

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In response Manly have devised a potential succession plan that involves Trbojevic switching from fullback to five-eighth with Luke Brooks moving to halfback when Cherry-Evans retires.

Last month Cherry-Evans told the Sea Eagles he wanted to play on beyond the end of his 2025 contract, but at a meeting to decide his future on Thursday he said he’d had a change of heart and wanted to leave his options open.

However, he did confirmed his desire is to remain a one club player and asked the club to leave a spot open for him if he decides to play on.

In August Cherry-Evans spoke about his future ahead of the looming November 1 deadline, which allows rival clubs to negotiate with the Manly captain.

“I haven’t thought too much about it, to be honest,” Cherry-Evans said at the time.

Daly Cherry-Evans might not play on in 2026.

“We’ll worry about November 1 when we get to it but there’s a lot that would have to happen before I got to that situation (negotiating with rival clubs).

“I’m 35, turning 36 next year, so I don’t know how appealing it would be to go and chase an older halfback.

“But I still feel really good. I still feel like there’s a lot of footy left in me. I won’t be putting a time limit on it.

“If I just enjoy and focus on each season as if it was the last, I know I’ll be maximising myself and hopefully bringing the best out of my teammates.”

Tom Trbojevic could switch to five-eighth in 2026.

Trbojevic’s switch to No.6 would allow the club to sign Lehi Hopoate on a long-term deal to be the club’s fullback.

Should Cherry-Evans decide to stay on in 2026, he will likely have to take a significant pay cut to squeeze into the salary cap because the club has made other plans for his potential retirement.

The Maroons skipper, who also hasn’t yet decided whether he will play State of Origin in 2025, is on a deal worth close to $1 million in 2025.

However, Manly have already spent big money retaining Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula, Jason Saab and Taniela Paseka and have salary cap pressure in 2026.

Lehi Hopoate could be Manly’s long-term No.1.

Manly want Hopoate to be their long-term fullback, which would require a change in the halves, with Trbojevic switching to the No.6 jersey.

The Sea Eagles have also signed rising star Onitoni Large, 17, from the Wests Tigers who is considered a long-term halves option for the club.

It is believed Cherry-Evans is chasing one last premiership and if Manly win next season that may be the perfect way to bookend his career after winning his first title in his rookie season in 2011.

The Sea Eagles haven’t tabled a formal offer for Cherry-Evans but have indicated how much they would be willing to spend to keep him on the books in 2026 if he decides to stay on.

Originally published as Manly and State of Origin gun backflips, throws future in doubt