Manly skipper Daly Cherry-Evans has informed the club this season will be his last for the Sea Eagles.
While the 36-year-old halfback has decided not to continue at Brookvale beyond this year, he will wait until later in the season before deciding whether to seek a contract elsewhere to play on in 2026.
Cherry-Evans is expected to address his future on Channel Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday night.
Cherry-Evans is still regarded as one of the NRL’s premier halfbacks and has started the year in stellar form. A number of rival NRL clubs are monitoring his situation in the hope he decides to play on into his 16th season.
A premiership winner in his first season at Manly in 2011, Cherry-Evans is also the incumbent Queensland captain and halfback, though he has yet to decide whether he will play State of Origin in 2025.
There has been speculation the Dragons, Roosters and Dolphins are among the clubs keeping tabs on Cherry-Evans.
Manly skipper Daly Cherry-Evans has told the club this season will be his last at Brookvale.Credit: Getty Images
Despite reports to the contrary over the past fortnight, Manly officials have said Cherry-Evans has not requested a two-year extension to his contract, which expires at the end of the season.
Cherry-Evans is on a deal worth close to $1 million this year. He is still playing at a high level and remains arguably one of the top four halfbacks in the competition, alongside Nathan Cleary ($1.2 million), Mitchell Moses ($1.25 million) and Jahrome Hughes ($900,000).
The Sea Eagles have already spent big money on retaining the likes of Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula, Jason Saab and Taniela Paseka, and have salary cap restraints in 2026.
Cherry-Evans met Manly officials over the off season to discuss his future. At the time, it was reported the Sea Eagles were working on a contingency plan for life after his departure.
That involved fullback Tom Trbojevic potentially moving into the five-eighth role, opening the door for young Tongan international Lehi Hopoate to move permanently to fullback. Hopoate has since signed an extension with the club.
Since debuting for Manly under Des Hasler in 2011, notching up a club record 333 games for the Sea Eagles.
Cherry-Evans has been a loyal servant to the club throughout his entire career, leading Manly to nine finals series, two grand finals and a premiership in his 14 seasons since debuting in 2011.
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