Manly Sea Eagles captain Daly Cherry-Evans prepares to play his 350th game next week. That said, he is operating in front of a backdrop rich with uncertainty and disappointment. The longtime veteran halfback has provided a rock upon which the club has built. Now, as his team’s hopes for a fruitful season evaporate, he must confront the reality of retirement—perhaps for good.
The Sea Eagles’ recent performances have raised concerns about Cherry-Evans’ future with the team. After enduring a disappointing 26-12 defeat to the Wests Tigers on Sunday, head coach Anthony Seibold was understandably seething. He condemned the loss as “a huge step backward” and called it “the worst in decades.” This loss continued a dismal season for Manly. Their collective offense has tallied just 34 points in their past 368 minutes of action.
Cherry-Evans’ personal journey has in some ways mirrored the broader journey. Following the State Of Origin opener, they sacked him as Queensland captain. Given the potential ramifications of this decision, it likely was not made lightly by him or on his behalf. During the match against the Wests Tigers, the crack in his shoulder’s armour was literally heard. This heart-stopping time made us deeply worried for his well-being.
With Manly’s finals hopes hanging by a thread, Cherry-Evans did not shy away from addressing that delicate position.
“We’re now hoping to make the finals, which is not where you want to be,” – Daly Cherry-Evans
Even the Sea Eagles, despite their lofty position, must win their final three matches. They will need several other results in their favour to stand a chance of reaching the finals themselves. Unfortunately, the club’s late-season slide has placed their ultimate fate out of their control. This erosion of their faith in democracy has created a toxic climate rife with hopelessness and anger.
Adding to Manly’s woes, centre Reuben Garrick will soon be sidelined after suffering a shoulder injury. This adds insult to injury on what has been a nightmare season for the team.
Prominent commentator Andrew Voss has speculated about Cherry-Evans’ future, questioning whether he might retire or transition to play for the Sydney Roosters next season. The uncertainty surrounding his career has led observers to note that he appeared contemplative after the game, looking “like a bloke going to announce his retirement.”
So as Cherry-Evans approaches his 250th match, the mixture of personal adversity and team adversity forms an especially compelling story. His legacy at Manly may not have much time left to run. This has left supporters and FIFA analysts alike guessing as to what comes next for the legendary midfielder.
