In a dramatic turn of events, the Manly Sea Eagles find themselves in a state of upheaval as star halfback Daly Cherry-Evans (DCE) has officially declined a two-year contract extension worth $1.4 million, signaling the end of his illustrious 15-year career with the club. This news, which broke on March 27, 2025, has left fans and pundits alike speculating about the future of both Cherry-Evans and the Sea Eagles as they scramble to find a suitable replacement.
Cherry-Evans informed the club earlier this week that the 2025 season would be his last with Manly, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the NRL community. With his departure looming, the Sea Eagles are now left with a significant void to fill in the No. 7 jersey. The club's two young halves prospects, Joey Walsh and Onitoni Large, are reportedly still 12 months away from being ready for first-grade action, leaving the team in a precarious position as they look to secure an experienced playmaker.
While some fans have suggested moving superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic to five-eighth, this idea is fraught with complications. Trbojevic, widely regarded as one of the best fullbacks in the game, would be taking a significant risk by switching positions. Moreover, the lack of a kicking game from Trbojevic combined with Luke Brooks' struggles as a chief playmaker raises concerns about the viability of such a move.
As the clock ticks down on Cherry-Evans' time at Manly, several potential replacements have emerged. Among the names being thrown around are Canberra's Jamal Fogarty, Brisbane veteran Adam Reynolds, and former Manly favorite Kieran Foran, who has since ruled himself out of the running. Matty Johns, a former Newcastle premiership-winner, has criticized the Sea Eagles for appearing "desperate" in their search for a new halfback, suggesting that the club's public discussions about potential targets could hinder their ability to secure a signing.
"At the moment you can see Manly scrambling," Johns said during a segment on SEN radio. "This has been a PR disaster for the club. If you're really after a halfback, you don’t air it. You keep it under wraps to avoid alerting other clubs to your intentions. Manly is trying to save face after Cherry-Evans told them he’s leaving, but it only highlights their desperation. They’re clutching at straws."
The situation is further complicated by the fact that several clubs have already ruled themselves out of the running for Cherry-Evans. The Bulldogs, Sharks, and Broncos have all publicly stated they will not pursue the veteran halfback, following similar moves from the Dragons and Rabbitohs. Meanwhile, Andrew Johns has suggested that the Sydney Roosters are the frontrunners to sign Cherry-Evans, citing their financial flexibility and successful history with aging stars.
"The Roosters have a war chest thanks to players leaving in the past year, and they’ve seen the Cooper Cronk model work perfectly when they signed him at the end of his career," Johns wrote for The Sydney Morning Herald. "What the Roosters offer more than anyone else is a pathway for DCE’s life post-footy, whether he wants to go into media or elsewhere." This sentiment is echoed by former NRL star Corey Parker, who believes a deal with the Roosters is already in place.
As speculation mounts, Cherry-Evans has also been linked to a potential move overseas to play for the Catalans in the Super League. His wife, Vessa, is reportedly close with the wife of Catalans player Luke Keary, further fueling rumors about a possible switch to France. However, with the Roosters and Dolphins listed as the primary contenders, fans are left wondering where DCE will land.
In the meantime, Manly's front office is under pressure to act swiftly. As they look for a replacement, names like Adam Reynolds and Kieran Foran have emerged as potential targets. Reynolds, who guided the Broncos to the 2023 Grand Final, has indicated he is eager to continue playing beyond this season, while Foran, a former premiership winner with Manly, could provide valuable experience.
Despite the talent available, the Sea Eagles face an uphill battle in securing a suitable candidate. The prospect of signing a veteran halfback is appealing, but the club must also consider the long-term development of their young talents, Walsh and Large. The urgency to fill the halfback position has led to a flurry of discussions within the club, but the best course of action remains uncertain.
As the NRL season progresses, all eyes will be on Cherry-Evans and the Sea Eagles. Will DCE finish his career with Manly, or will he take his talents elsewhere? And who will step up to fill his shoes? With the clock ticking, the answers to these questions could shape the future of the club for years to come.
