‘No rift’: Manly boss hits back at Cherry-Evans speculation

Manly CEO Tony Mestrov has dismissed suggestions of internal rifts and defended the club’s handling of Daly Cherry-Evans’ contract situation after the veteran halfback confirmed he will leave the Sea Eagles at the end of the 2025 NRL season.

Cherry-Evans revealed on 100% Footy that he had turned down a late two-year, $1.5 million offer from Manly, a decision he said had been months in the making.

The 36-year-old, who holds the rugby league club record for most appearances, is yet to decide whether he’ll retire or continue elsewhere in 2026.

“There’s no animosity between Daly and the club,” Mestrov said in a press conference on Tuesday.

“We’ve had honest discussions since December. He told us then he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do, and we respected that.”

Despite speculation around a possible falling out with coach Anthony Seibold, Mestrov insisted there were “no problems at all” and even confirmed the club has offered Cherry-Evans a post-playing coaching role.

He also denied rumours of lowballing their long-time captain.

“We haven’t lowballed Daly. We’ve put forward a very strong offer. If he wants to play on, we want him to stay at Manly,” he said.

Cherry-Evans has left the door open to play elsewhere, with the Dolphins and Roosters reportedly in the mix.

Manly, meanwhile, is eyeing young halves Joey Walsh and Onitoni Large as long-term successors to the Queensland and Kangaroos veteran.

The Sea Eagles have made a solid start to their NRL 2025 campaign, sitting inside the top eight with two wins and one loss — including a convincing 40-12 victory over the Raiders on Sunday afternoon.

Cherry-Evans has been in strong form, guiding the side around the park with trademark composure while continuing to be among the most consistent halves in the competition.

Manly will face the Parramatta Eels at 4 Pines Park on Sunday afternoon in Round 4, with the top NRL bookmakers placing the Sea Eagles as $1.18 favourites.

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