NRL Rookie of the Year, Daly Cherry-Evans, is the form halfback of the six teams left in the 2011 edition of the competition, and his giant progress this year has him, with Brett Stewart, as the Sea Eagles’ most valuable player.
He is certainly the hardest to replace.
The concern for analysts prior to round one was how long would this frail kid from Queensland last deep into the gruelling 26 rounds of the toughest competition in the world.
He has thrived on the hard training and the heavy tackles. In fact, the more he plays the better he seems to get.
We always knew he could play, but since the suspension of his ‘minder’ Glenn Stewart, he has taken on the added responsibility and risen to a new level.
When the Sea Eagles played the Broncos two weeks ago, he took the field without Stewart, Glenn’s brother Brett, and his 5/8th partner Kieran Foran, at his side.
These three guys represent the brains trust of the Sea Eagles, but importantly are the playmakers.
You could forgive Cherry-Evans if he was lost or intimidated, but he stepped up and took ownership of the team, to give them a fighting chance against a hot Broncos team.
The following week against the Cowboys, he had the services of Brett Stewart and Foran, but it was Cherry-Evans, who ignited the team, when they were trailing the Jonathan Thurston-inspired North Queenslanders.
He made the difference when it was most needed.
Not only is he a future Maroon and Australian number 7, but a future captain.
Channel Nine’s Peter Stirling described his pivot partner Kieran Foran as “the game’s best young player.” Since that statement, Cherry-Evans has not only caught Foran, but gone past him.
He does not seem to have a weakness. He is a good talker and organiser, possesses a great long and short tactical kicking game, bust tackles easily and rates highly among halfbacks for missed tackles, but perhaps his most valuable asset is his ability to read the game well and make the right decisions.
All this is great news for the Sea Eagles except they may not be able to afford to hang on to him.
Cherry-Evans is coached by the club’s two greatest halfbacks in Des Hasler and Geoff Toovey, and they have done such a great job with their young prodigy that if he re-signs, he will claim their mantle in the best Sea Eagle team.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
UPDATE TO FOOTYFEVER Did you watch the game last night?
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Footyfever DCE had done so much that he was not suppose to do. I have not made these statements just on footy ability but other things he does that he should not do at this stage. You bagged his defence. He averages 24 tackles every game (only 1 other halfback does more) He rates 4th in halfbacks for defence combining Missed tackles and Inefective tackles. He rates higher than Pearce, Wallace, Thurston etc. That not my opinion , thats stat facts. He does not lack maturity. V Broncos 2 weeks ago he did not have Foran, or both Stewarts and he took total control and ran the team. As for 500k, this is the figure that Sandow and Pearce earn. He is clearly superior to Sandow is every aspect except goal kicking, and equal to Pearce who is the Origin half. Take him out and put him in the Rabbitohs or the Raiders and they would be playing semi footy. You are very entitled to your opinion, but I would like to be your bookie.
Footyfever
Guest
This really is a joke. DCE is going well in his first season. But, like all things, it remains questionable as to what the future will bring. It’s very naive to adamantly put so much faith in a player after less than a season. He is a good kicker, yes, and yes I think he can read the game quite well. But it is obvious in his defence and in some of his judgment in play, that he lacks the experience and maturity as compared to other halves. It is poor judgment to consider him fit for a representative team. I sure know that if I were a coach I wouldn’t consider him at any higher level then NRL. He deserves recognition for his season and perhaps that may bring some light to the fact that he has got future OPPORTUNITIES in his career, but let’s leave it at that and see what happens before we all get on a ridiculous banter as to what future he may have and throwing 500k figures around so loosely. His a kid with one year NRL experience who has been supported by outstanding players, that have made him look good. Take him out of that team and into another one with different dynamics and strengths and weaknesses and then cast judgement. It’s obvious from this that I don’t rate the guy, and I know I’m not the only one!
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Blazza DCE is more advanced than Cronk at the same age. Cronk will never be as good as Thurston but in 5 years I am not prepared to say that about DCE. If Thurston is not available for the Kangas maybe Cronk and Cherry will be the 2 half backs.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Ticker the 2nd Year Syndrome is relative to the individual, and he is special.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Mal I have been waiting for him to crash and burn but what he did in Bris all on his own was remarkable. I cant jinx him.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Baz Matt Rodwell, Jason Martin, Ewen McGrady did not have the skills of DCE and Peter Wallace is yet to make a break this season.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Paddy Nothing seems to phase him....he is a natural.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Wayne He will have to cop a huge pay drop from what the market will offer him. Dont forget he is a QLander
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Brett Maybe in looks and running style but he has more ability.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
John I think half back is THE most important position on the field as they are ist receiver and Manly do not have an alternative. If DCE keeps on improving like he has he will be worth 500k on the open market and there is no way Manly will pay that. With Lockyer gone and Scott Prince struggling there will be opportunitries up north no doubt.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Will Lui has excellent skill but can be hot and cold and is a poor lateral defender. His kicking game is not as good as Cherrys
Blazza
Guest
Cooper Cronk champ enough said
Ticker
Guest
Beware the 2nd Year Syndrome
Mals
Guest
Scott - nice story but please don't jinx his form!! I believe Daly is contracted at Manly until the end of 2012. Foran is signed until 2014. With guys like Hoppa, Robertson & Rodney all leaving at the end of the year there should be money to upgrade & lengthen his contract beyond 2012, which is an absolute must! It is a crying shame that he is a Queenslander.
The Barry
Roar Guru
He's had a brilliant first season but let's cool our jets on the "best ever..." tags until he's played a second season (and more). Matt Rodwell, Jason Martin, Ewen McGrady...? Do these names ring any bells ? Peter Wallace has been travelling pretty well over the past couple of months as well.
PaddyBoy
Guest
I believe it, but keep it to yourselves or you'll curse the poor kid!!!
Wayne Colman
Guest
Manly will not let DCE go, they will have a plan in place financially to keep him and Foran long term. DCE loves Manly and appreciates the support they have shown him, to get where he is and he's the type of guy who will repay that support. Melbourne have a good spine, Manly have the whole skeleton ! Go Manly !!
Brett McKay
Guest
he's a dead ringer for Johnny Gibbs at times too...
John
Guest
Do you have any knowledge that Manly are struggling to re-sign DCE?