Daly Cherry-Evans has been appointed Manly’s new NRL captain holding off young gun Jake Trbojevic who was named vice-captain.
Coach Trent Barrett described the pair as long-term leaders with key roles to play in a new era for the Sea Eagles.
Halfback Cherry-Evans, 27, takes over the leadership from retired skipper Jamie Lyon as the club seeks to move on following the departure of a core group of successful veterans in recent seasons.
“Daly has been a standout during our pre-season. He is a natural leader and was an obvious choice for us as our next captain,” Barrett said.
“Jake is our vice-captain and being only 22-years-old, the experience he will gain in this role alongside Daly gives us a long two long-term leaders who can take this club to where it needs to be.”
Re-signed last year to a “lifetime” deal reportedly set to net him $10 million after backing out of a deal with Gold Coast, Cherry-Evans has played 146 games for the club after debuting in the premiership-winning 2011 side.
“I really was quite surprised when Trent told me (of the captaincy),” Cherry-Evans said.
“There was such a large group of players to choose from and I’m really quite chuffed that it’s me that’s going to lead this side into really good days I believe.”
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New international Trbojevic has played 47 games after debuting in 2013.