Manly chief executive Tony Mestrov has denied a rift between Daly Cherry-Evans and coach Anthony Seibold is behind the skipper’s bombshell departure from the club.
Off-contract at the end of this season, Cherry-Evans announced on Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday night he would not be playing for the club in 2026.
The announcement fuelled swirling rumours he was “not close” with Seibold. But speaking to media on Tuesday morning, Mestrov moved to put the rumour to bed before a question had even been asked.
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“I just want to clarify that there is no animosity between Daly and the club,” he said.
“I spoke to Daly before I came into this press conference today. There is no problem with Daly and the club. There is no problem between Daly and me, personally. There is no problem with Daly and the coach.
Manly coach Anthony Siebold and captain Daly Cherry-Evans in 2024. NRL Photos
“Daly has told a few teammates that it will be his last year and it is (now) up to Daly to quantify whatever point he wants to but the ball is in the court in regards to the offer.”
The club formally tabled a two-year deal to the 332-game veteran on Tuesday morning, but Mestrov denied the contract was “knee-jerk reaction”. He claimed a one-year extension had been discussed as far back as October.
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He said Cherry-Evans then told the club in December that 2025 would be his last season at Manly, but his strong form in the opening rounds of the season had led to informal discussions about a two-year extension.
“Everyone has seen his form, it’s been outstanding. We all know he can play two years but it’s up to him,” Mestrov said.
“We weren’t blindsided … he told us in December but we just didn’t want to tell the broader media.
“We respected him but what happened is the media in the past two weeks has fast tracked the situation.”
Mestrov also revealed the club had a long-standing offer to Cherry-Evans of a coaching role post-retirement, and that they hadn’t given up hope Cherry-Evans would backflip on his decision to leave.
“I’m still not sure that he knows what he is doing (next year). I think as a Manly supporter, you want to see him stay in the maroon and white. He’s played more games than anyone at the club. The decision is down to him, not to me.”
Cherry-Evans made his Sea Eagles debut in 2011.
