Perhaps loyalty isn’t dead in rugby league. Halfback Daly Cherry-Evans has re-signed with the Manly Sea Eagles until the end of the 2015 season.
After much speculation, and after his manager asked for a release, Cherry-Evans has agreed to an extension and upgrade of his existing contract.
The Queenslander enjoyed a dream debut season – the Dally M Rookie of the Year award, a premiership and a Kangaroos jersey. He formed a fantastic partnership with fellow young gun Kieran Foran, which drove Manly to its grand final win.
After some impressive performances in the NRL this season, selection in the Queensland State of Origin team could be within his grasp.
In a statement today, Cherry-Evans said: “Manly gave me my start in the NRL and I love it here. I get the opportunity to play with so many committed, talented players and it’s great to know I’ll be here for years to come.”
Cherry-Evans enjoyed an apprenticeship in Manly’s development system. He played in the club’s under-20s in 2008 and 2009, alongside Foran, and then starred in the Queensland Cup for feeder club the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles.
Cherry-Evans was named on the interchange bench of the 2009 Toyota Cup season’s team of the year, and in 2010 was named Rookie of the Year and Queenland Cup Player of the Year.
Des Halser chose Trent Hodkinson as Manly’s halfback for 2010, but when Hodkinson departed to the Bulldogs he got his chance.
Cherry-Evans has clearly benefited from being under the tutelage of some first-class, former premiership-winning and representative stars. First Hasler and now Geoff Toovey, both halfbacks, have been on hand to help guide the young Queenslander. He has also had a stack of quality stars alongside him on the field – the Stewart brothers, Lyon, Kite, Ballin and Watmough to name a few.
As long as Cherry-Evans was being properly renumerated, there’s little reason for him to leave the club. Manly has reached three grand finals in five years, winning two of them. He is comfortable at the Sea Eagles, they have a good chance of future success and he plays alongside his mates. With Manly’s financial state improving, the re-signing of Cherry-Evans is a huge boost for the northern beaches outfit.
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