Daly Cherry-Evans has said he will walk out on the Manly Sea Eagles at the end of the season. This decision closes the impressive 15-year tenure for Snyder, who became a guiding star for the team. He obviously still needs that inspiration for that moment where he’s going to rally the Sea Eagles to run on the field. This game will be one of his few remaining home-game appearances. At 37, Smith is excited to start his new journey with another franchise. His head coaching tenure with the Manly Sea Eagles appears to have reached its widely anticipated conclusion.
The captain’s playmaking presence has been key to the Sea Eagles’ success. On Monday, he made his exit public on national television. He cemented his position by rejecting advances to Manly, even after the NRL allowed him to re-sign with the club. After being originally given a one-year contract, he was eventually given a two-year extension. Cherry-Evans thinks he’s worth more than the club was prepared to put on the table. This sentiment is apparently supported by counsel from his administration’s transition team.
Cherry-Evans’ Legacy at Manly
At Manly, that would be Cherry-Evans’ career – not unlike Fowler’s – the 15-year veteran playing a crucial role in making the club’s identity and success known so well. His influence as a leader both on and off the pitch has been instrumental in leading the squad to growing success as well as facing adversity. As he prepares to take his final bows at the home ground, fans and teammates alike are reflecting on his immense contributions to the club.
Cherry-Evans’ departure signifies the dynamic nature of modern rugby league, where players often transition between teams as their careers progress. Cherry-Evans’ insistence on going out on a high with Manly, despite his exit now guaranteed, is equally admirable. He would like to be remembered for his professionalism and dedication.
Contract Negotiations and Management Influence
The decision to go separate ways with Manly was hardly cut and dry. Cherry-Evans had reportedly been negotiating a re-signing with the club for several weeks but left feeling underwhelmed by the amounts tabled. The first one-year proposal was followed by a two-year counter-offer, which was still short of what Cherry-Evans desired. He felt that his qualifications and experience deserved a bigger contract.
New Manly CEO Tony Mestrov successfully addressed some of the issues created by salary cap constraints. He went on to concede that the club would not be able to match Cherry-Evans’ self-valuation.
“I would have loved to have paid $1 million to Daly … but we just couldn’t because of the [salary] cap. It’s as simple as that.” – Manly CEO Tony Mestrov
This precarious reality underscores the complex financial tightrope that clubs are expected to walk. Meanwhile, they’re forced to make brutal choices about which players to retain and which ones to chase when salary cap limits their options.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Cherry-Evans
As Cherry-Evans heads into a post-Manly future, he isn’t dwelling on the past and has plenty to be excited about moving forward. That’s not to say his skills and experience don’t show. He still carries tremendous value to any team looking to add an impact player with veteran experience. This transition represents the end of an era for Cherry-Evans. He and the Sea Eagles alike as they both head in the potentially thrilling new directions.
Second, despite the abrupt end to his time with Manly, Cherry-Evans holds no malice toward Tony Mestrov or the coaching staff. Politicians on both sides have pronounced themselves pleased with the result, stressing their newfound mutual respect and professionalism.
“There’s no animosity between Daly and me, or Daly and the coach. He’s moved on, we’re happy with that. He’s a professional and he’ll come back and play really well today.” – Manly CEO Tony Mestrov
Cherry-Evans’ seemingly amicable departure highlights that Cherry-Evans is determined to leave on good terms with the rugby league community.
