Daly Cherry-Evans has hit back at criticism of his decision to leave Manly at the end of the 2025 season by branding it a ‘smear campaign’.
Speculation was rife ahead of the Sea Eagles’ clash against the Eels on Sunday over the reception the veteran halfback would receive.
But to the Brookvale Oval for the first time since last week’s bombshell announcement, the 36-year-old showed his class, leading the Eagles to a 26-12 victory against Parramatta.
It was an excellent performance from Cherry Evans, who orchestrated the side’s third win of the season, dazzling with the boot.
He was, largely, applauded by fans inside the ground, with some waving cardboard signs that read ‘Stay Daly’.
Yet, the footy star has come under some scrutiny this week for his decision to leave the club.
Daly Cherry-Evans has bitten back at his critics suggesting that there has been a ‘smear campaign’ following his call to leave Manly
The veteran halfback (centre) announced his decision to leave the footy club earlier this week
Cherry-Evans, who has played 333 games for the footy club, officially rejected Manly’s offer of a contract extension this week and will leave the club at the end of the 2025 season.
It is understood that several clubs, including the Roosters, are interested in signing the halfback, who could also opt to retire later this year.
Given his stature at the club, the 36-year-old was understanding that his decision to leave could ruffle a few feathers amongst fans.
‘It’s going to disappoint some Manly fans… so I completely understand if I get booed today because that’s how some people express their emotions,’ Cherry-Evans said to Fox League’s Jake Duke.
Despite that, fans at Brookvale gave him a largely positive reception.
‘Honestly, it made me a little bit emotional, or a lot emotional, so I had to really pull it into line to play footy,’ he said.
‘I’m so thankful, I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received throughout the week. At different stages, people have tried to push a different narrative about me but ultimately when you tell them the truth and you’ve got the integrity, people see through that and the people on the hill saw through it today.’
In an interview with Channel Nine and ABC after the match, Cherry-Evans was asked if he could clarify his comments.
Cherry-Evans is said to have been weighing up the decision since last December. It is also understood that multiple rival clubs are interested in the 36-year-old
‘People can talk about whatever details they want, but the reality is, the decision is made,’ he told ABC Radio.
‘I tell you what hasn’t changed… my mindset going into this year and how much I want to win this year. If anything, it’s just amplified it.
‘There’s obviously been a really big narrative pushed in the media that it was all about a two-year deal, and the money wasn’t enough. Only time will tell if that is true or not.’
He was pressed again after the match on the matter of his exit, revealing that it was nice to dismiss the furore around his bombshell exit and just play footy.
‘It’s hard to separate the personal side of it and your ego because this week took a fair bit of a hit with the people trying to run a bit of a smear campaign against me but this is my favourite time of the week,’ Cherry-Evans continued.
Rumours had circulated this week that Cherry-Evans had clashed with Sea Eagles boss Anthony Siebold in recent weeks.
Despite that, Cherry-Evans seems as committed as ever to play for Manly.
‘This is the time that I love the most where everything just disappears for a minute and I get to come out here and just play.
‘I’m really proud of the boys for getting a win. (I was a) bit nervous and definitely relieved.’
Despite speculation that Cherry-Evans could receive boos, he recieved a largely positive reception from fans inside the Brookvale Oval
Cherry-Evans announced his decision to leave the footy club on Monday during an interview on 100% Footy
The footy star made his debut for the Sea Eagles back in 2011 and clinched a premiership title with Manly that same year.
Cherry-Evans later performed a U-turn on a deal to join the Titans in 2015, signing a ‘lifetime’ deal with Manly instead.
On Monday, he told Nine’s 100% Footy that he would be quitting the Sea Eagles after the 2025 season simply stating: ‘No more footy at Manly beyond this year.’
It is understood that he had been weighing up the decision to leave Manly since December.
Cherry-Evans added: ‘There is still that burning desire to play on.’
