In the world of rugby league, the future of Manly Sea Eagles' No.7 jersey appears secure in the hands of promising teenager Joey Walsh. Having just signed with the top squad for the 2025 season after a stellar captaincy of Australia’s under-18 rugby team, Walsh is ready to take on the long-term role as the successor to veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, whose own future is uncertain.
At 36, Cherry-Evans has yet to confirm whether he will continue playing after this season, adding an air of urgency to Walsh’s emergence. The rugged player has proven he can still perform at a high level, having recently recovered from back spasms that could have sidelined him temporarily. Coach Anthony Seibold urged fans to remain calm regarding Cherry-Evans' future, despite speculation that Manly may not have offered him a new contract that met his expectations.
Walsh, realizing that every moment spent learning from Cherry-Evans and fellow Sea Eagles player Luke Brooks is invaluable, stated, "I definitely really hope so," when asked if he wanted to be Cherry-Evans' long-term successor. He continued, "Daly's an awesome player. He's at the peak of his career at the moment. He can play for as long as he wants to." With the locker placing Walsh between Cherry-Evans and Brooks at Brookvale, he feels privileged to absorb knowledge and skills from both rugby stalwarts.
The teenage talent has even started making a name for himself in higher-level competitions, having already moved up to the under-21s while still eligible for under-19s. This year, Walsh hopes to gain experience against men by participating in the NSW Cup, which will further prepare him for an eventual mainstream role in the NRL.
On his first day at the Sea Eagles training facility, Walsh recalled how Cherry-Evans took the time to discuss his kicking game, offering key insights into his style while encouraging Walsh to embrace his unique talent. "I just wanted to know about his [Cherry-Evans'] kicking game so I could replicate it," said Walsh. However, Cherry-Evans advised him against mimicking his techniques, underscoring the importance of developing a personal style. "I never push anything on young halves. I like to really let that stuff happen naturally," Cherry-Evans stated, acknowledging the need for Walsh to find his own strengths.
Despite Cherry-Evans’ ongoing battle to maintain his position, he is firmly entrenched in the team's strategy, having joined the roster in 2011 and serving as captain for many pivotal matches. After a tough game last Friday against the Warriors where he displayed resilience despite discomfort from back spasms, his commitment was evident to teammates, who praised his determination under pressure.
Even as the Sea Eagles prepare to face off against the Canberra Raiders on March 23, 2025, the absence of star fullback Tom Trbojevic due to hamstring tightness presents another hurdle for the team. Trbojevic's recovery process has necessitated a careful approach, with Lehi Hopoate stepping into a starting role at fullback.
Reflecting on the impact of injuries on team morale, forward Taniela Paseka admitted, “I could see early in the performance against the Warriors, it was bothering him. He could have gone off earlier, but he knew that if he went off, it would have been a very tough game for us.” This sentiment resonated throughout the team, which endured a chaotic experience during their last match without two key players. “When you're not prepared for it in a game, when they go down, it's chaos,” Paseka noted, emphasizing the difficulty of adjusting to sudden changes in the lineup.
Now more than ever, the Sea Eagles look to their veteran leaders in Cherry-Evans and Brooks while striving to regain their earlier winning momentum. As their coach indicated, they must overcome the disappointing performance against the Warriors and recapture the form that led to a commanding win against the Cowboys in round one.
This evolving narrative not only highlights the promising future of Joey Walsh but also reveals the pivotal role of established players like Cherry-Evans in guiding the next generation. As the Sea Eagles navigate challenges both on and off the field, the focus remains on fostering talent while addressing immediate needs.
