Daly Cherry-Evans, the Manly Sea Eagles captain, stands at a crossroads in his career as his contract nears its end this NRL season. The 36-year-old playmaker has yet to announce whether he will continue playing in 2026, keeping fans and teammates alike in suspense. With the support of key figures like fullback Tom Trbojevic and winger Jason Saab, the Sea Eagles are hoping for Cherry-Evans to extend his tenure and lead the team to further success.
Teammates Rally Behind Cherry-Evans
Tom Trbojevic, known for his electrifying speed and skill on the field, expressed his admiration for Cherry-Evans’ dedication and talent, suggesting that the seasoned player could easily continue for another decade given his work ethic and performance. Trbojevic’s sentiments reflect the sentiment shared by many within the Manly camp, acknowledging Cherry-Evans’ pivotal role in the team’s dynamics and success over the years.
“He (Cherry-Evans) is like someone who could play for another 10 years, the way he trains and plays,” Trbojevic remarked, highlighting the captain’s enduring impact on the team. “He’ll make that decision and that’s ultimately how it will work. But I am very grateful I get to play for him for so long and hopefully get a few more years.”
A Window of Opportunity
Jason Saab, another key player in the Manly squad, emphasized the importance of Cherry-Evans to the team’s aspirations of claiming their first premiership since 2011. With Cherry-Evans’ leadership and experience, the Sea Eagles see a chance to capitalize on their current roster’s potential and make a serious push for the title in the upcoming seasons.
“It’s definitely no secret we’ve got one of the best captains and leaders in the game, and that increases our opportunity to win a premiership,” Saab affirmed. “Along with Jakey (Trbojevic) and Turbo (Tom Trbojevic), these guys are not getting any younger. We know we have a great opportunity over the next season or two.”
As the Sea Eagles gear up for their 2025 campaign opener against North Queensland, the team remains focused on the immediate task at hand while keeping an eye on the bigger picture. Saab highlighted the importance of staying present in the moment while acknowledging the team’s potential for success in the near future.
“No one is looking past round one, but everyone knows we have a window. Every club has a window,” Saab observed. “I remember a couple of years ago, Parramatta had a window and they made the grand final.”
The upcoming season presents a fresh opportunity for Manly under the guidance of coach Anthony Seibold, who led the team to the semifinals last year in his second season with the club. As the Sea Eagles prepare to kick off their premiership campaign against North Queensland, the focus remains on building upon past successes and striving for new heights in the competitive NRL landscape.
The anticipation is palpable as Cherry-Evans contemplates his future in the sport, with fans, teammates, and club supporters eagerly awaiting his decision. As the seasoned captain weighs his options, the Sea Eagles stand poised on the brink of a new chapter, ready to embrace the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.