Daly Cherry-Evans, the esteemed halfback and captain of the Manly Sea Eagles, finds himself at the center of a dramatic contract situation as he publicly announced his intention to leave the club after the 2025 season. The news, first reported on March 24, 2025, took fans by surprise and left many pondering the future of one of the NRL’s most iconic players.
Speaking to Sea Eagles officials, Cherry-Evans revealed that the 2025 season would be his last at Brookvale Oval. While he has yet to make a definitive decision regarding retirement, he indicated a willingness to explore opportunities elsewhere. “I will do my best to keep my head down and make sure I am doing my job for the team and making them proud. That is really important to me,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to the Sea Eagles as he enters the twilight of his playing career.
Shortly after Cherry-Evans’ exit news broke during the NRL 360 broadcast on Fox Sports, the Sea Eagles quickly responded by announcing a counter-offer live on air. "We will table a two-year offer with Daly Cherry-Evans’ agent on Tuesday morning,” stated Manly CEO Tony Mestrov, indicating their desire to retain the club’s most capped player until 2027, by which time he would be 38 years old. Mestrov continued, “His form has been amazing this year, and he is a one-club player. We want him to be an Eagle for life.”
This unexpected twist has added an intriguing layer to an already complicated situation. Throughout his career, Cherry-Evans has been an integral figure for Manly, debuting for the team back in 2011 and leading the club to a premiership in his first season. Known for his exceptional skills and leadership qualities, he has accumulated over 333 appearances, making him a pillar of the franchise.
However, the recent announcement has raised eyebrows about the state of negotiations between Cherry-Evans and the Sea Eagles. Sources indicate that Manly was initially believed to be ready to present a one-year deal, leading to confusion regarding Cherry-Evans’ expectations for a two-year commitment. “This is far from over by the sounds of it,” commentator Braith Anasta added, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the veteran halfback’s future.
As discussions continue, other clubs are reportedly expressing interest in Cherry-Evans, including the Dolphins, the St George Illawarra Dragons, and the Sydney Roosters. Given his history as a Redcliffe junior and the admiration he commands in the rugby league community, it’s not surprising that these teams would consider signing him, should he choose to keep playing beyond this season.
Cherry-Evans’ family history in rugby league further complicates matters. His father, Troy Evans, played for the Redcliffe Dolphins in the 1980s, which adds a layer of nostalgia to the possibility of him returning home to play. The Dolphins had even included a picture of a six-year-old Cherry-Evans donning their kit in their bid to join the NRL's competition in 2023, further showcasing the connection between the future hall-of-famer and the club.
For Manly, Cherry-Evans’ departure presents a significant loss, particularly given the current lack of depth in the playmaking market. The club has options in reserve, including contemplating a role change for Tom Trbojevic or promoting younger players, but the exit of an experienced leader like Cherry-Evans could leave a gap that is challenging to fill.
As of now, Cherry-Evans has not determined whether he will retire or pursue a contract elsewhere. Reports surrounding his discussions with Manly have indicated that he has not made formal requests for a contract extension before announcing he would be leaving, a choice that has left many scratching their heads. As speculation mounts, Cherry-Evans remains tight-lipped about his future, maintaining that he prefers his performances on the field to speak for themselves.
Fans are left in limbo, anxious about the future of a player who has served the Sea Eagles loyally for over a decade. With the 2025 season already underway, all eyes will be watching how this saga unfolds. His next move, whether it involves retirement, a switch to another club, or a commitment to continue with the Sea Eagles, will certainly evoke strong reactions within the rugby league community. Only time will tell what path Cherry-Evans chooses to take next.
