- Daly Cherry-Evans to leave Manly Sea Eagles
- Halfback won’t be short of offers from rival NRL clubs
A rumoured personality clash with Sea Eagles coach Anthony Siebold is said to be the reason veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans won’t be at the NRL club beyond this season.
Daily Mail Australia also understands it is a race between two side for the playmaker’s signature for 2026 and beyond – the Sydney Roosters and Des Hasler-coached Gold Coast Titans.
The Dolphins and Dragons are also said to be interested, but a move to either of those clubs is unlikely, despite Cherry-Evans playing his junior football with Redcliffe, where he was born.
The bombshell development has stunned Manly fans, who now face the prospect of not having a top-line No.7 on their books next year.
Cherry-Evans and Seibold are said to not be aligned.
The NRL star didn’t invite Seibold to his wedding last year, sparking rumours of a feud between the pair.
A rumoured personality clash with Sea Eagles coach Anthony Siebold is said to be the reason veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans (pictured) won’t be at the NRL club beyond this season
Manly fans are stunned at their veteran halfback’s bombshell split with the club
Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold and skipper Daly Cherry-Evans reportedly are not aligned
Cherry-Evans, 36, made his first-grade debut at Manly in 2011, winning a premiership in his first season.
He later infamously backflipped on a deal with the Titans in March of 2015, instead signing a ‘lifetime’ deal on Sydney’s northern beaches.
The veteran is managed by Joe Wehbe, who also has Roosters fullback James Tedesco and soon-to-be Tricolours hooker Reece Robson as clients.
With Sam Walker in the halves, heading to Bondi to play in that formidable spine would be appealing for any halfback.
‘DCE’ is also said to be interested in coaching once he hangs up his footy boots.
Speaking on Channel Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday, Cherry-Evans confirmed he won’t be in maroon and white come 2026.
‘No more footy at Manly beyond this year,’ he said.
‘It certainly hasn’t been a decision that’s been made overnight, but I feel a lot better letting everyone know about it.’
‘There is still that burning desire to play on.’
Cherry-Evans, 36, made his first grade debut at Manly in 2011, winning a premiership in his first season (pictured, with wife Vessa)
While Cherry-Evans is tipped to sign with the Roosters, a reunion with Des Hasler (pictured) at the Gold Coast Titans is also a possibility
Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov confirmed on Tuesday Cherry-Evans spoke to the club in December about his plans for 2026 and beyond – and they didn’t include playing for a rival NRL club.
‘We coined him a deal [on Monday] for the next two years, the ball is now in his court,’ he said.
‘He indicated [to the club] he was going to retire or play overseas. He [told us] he didn’t know what he wanted to do.
‘It is his decision, and I will stress there is no animosity from us, or from Cherry.
‘He is a legend of this club, and if he continues to play in the NRL, we hope it is with the Manly Sea Eagles.’
Cherry-Evans had played 333 first grade games over 15 seasons for the club, which is a club record.
He has also chalked up 25 State of Origin appearances for Queensland and 21 matches for Australia in a decorated career.
