Speculation over Nate Myles’ future may have finally ended but the Daly Cherry-Evans rumours look set to start all over again.
Manly ended months of conjecture when they confirmed they had signed the Gold Coast Titans captain on a three-year NRL deal from 2016.
However, the Sea Eagles’ coup may have also unwittingly re-started the “will he, won’t he?” guessing game over Manly playmaker Cherry-Evans.
The Queensland Origin X-factor has insisted that he will honour a four-year Gold Coast deal from 2016.
However, Manly have until round 13 to convince Cherry-Evans to stay – an argument that will gain considerable weight with Myles now on the books.
Cherry-Evans’ managers Chris and Gavin Orr – who also have Myles in their stable – would not speculation on the players’ future on Wednesday.
But there is no doubt that Myles won’t change his mind about linking with Manly on what is believed to be a $1.5 million deal.
The Queensland Origin forward had told media that he was resigned to leaving the Titans after they did not activate a one year option worth around $550,000 six weeks ago.
Gold Coast coach Neil Henry had been keen to retain the veteran of 26 Origins but the stalled Titans contract talks prompted Myles to look elsewhere.
It is believed the Titans power brokers had concerns about re-signing Myles – 30 in June – after he had undergone bicep, shoulder and groin surgery in recent seasons.
However, Myles was still in good enough form to earn selection in Australia’s trans-Tasman loss to New Zealand – his ninth Test.
“I have been extremely humbled by this overall experience and I would like to thank all the clubs that showed interest in having me join them,” Myles said after reported interest from up to four other clubs.
“The decision to leave our home (Gold Coast) was difficult, however Manly is a beautiful part of the world which provides both (wife) Tessa and I the opportunity to continue to develop our careers, relationship and family.
“I will now focus on my role as captain of the Gold Coast Titans to ensure my final year in Titans colours is a successful one.”
Manly had hoped to bolster their forward depth after the loss of Glenn Stewart, Anthony Watmough and Brent Kite to rival clubs and veteran Jason King’s retirement.
“His experience and leadership skills in the front and back-rows will be a valuable asset to some of our talented young forwards including Jake Trbojevic, Josh Starling and Blake Leary to name a few,” Manly coach Geoff Toovey said.
Myles told his Titans teammates and Henry after Wednesday’s training session.
“I wish him well. (But) I’m …sure that he will continue to represent our club to the best of his ability, providing on and off field leadership for the remainder of the season,” Henry said.
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