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Manly star Daly Cherry-Evans has hit back at claims he may be forced to leave the NRL club due to a personality clash with Sea Eagles teammates Glenn and Brett Stewart.
The Queensland State of Origin utility has poured cold water over a newspaper report that says the Broncos may benefit from a falling out with the Stewart brothers.
Glenn Stewart also dismissed the claim as “ludicrous”.
The report on Thursday claimed tensions between Cherry-Evans – who is off contract at the end of 2015 – and the Stewarts had stalled talks over an extended term for the Manly halfback.
It said relations had become so strained that it had reached board level and that Cherry-Evans was considering a future stint at the Broncos.
But Cherry-Evans said on the Manly website on Thursday: “We pride ourselves on a level of commitment and competitiveness, and apart from some good old-fashioned NSW and Queensland rivalry, this squad remains very tight.
“That goes for me, Glenn and Brett Stewart!”
Glenn Stewart added: “I know everyone in this squad has great respect and appreciation for the role everyone plays and, while our competitive spirit never subsides, to suggest there’s any falling out is ludicrous.”
Days after being fined $10,000 for a post-match rant, Manly coach Geoff Toovey saw red again due to the report.
“Anyone who knows the close-knit camaraderie and history of this club must be shaking their head,” Toovey said on the website.
“There will always be speculation around players’ long-term futures, especially at this time of the season.
“But to suggest there’s any dissension in playing ranks is outrageous and very wrong.
“The players concerned trained strongly together yesterday, were chatting and laughing together at a private members function last night, and will train strongly together again today.”
While Toovey claimed he had held back in his now infamous post-match rant, the passionate Sea Eagles mentor painted a clear picture about harmony in his squad.
“These guys are professional when it comes to the job at hand,” he said.
“I want to ensure all Manly members and fans, this remains one of the most unified squads across the entire game.”
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