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Manly's old DCE successor a world away at Souths
Scott Bailey, AAP • April 2nd, 2025 2:52 pm
Souths' Jamie Humphreys is looking forward to taking part in his first derby against the Roosters | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Jamie Humphreys is too busy preparing for the biggest game of his life at South Sydney for the former Sea Eagle to think about the fact he is Manly's what-if man.
Now the early contender for rookie of the year, it was only 12 months ago Humphreys was an uncapped half viewed as a possible Daly Cherry-Evans successor at Manly.
In the time since, he has debuted, signed with Souths on a cut-price deal and beat out $700,000 English recruit Lewis Dodd for the Rabbitohs' No.7 jersey.
And as he readies for a maiden derby against the Sydney Roosters, Humphreys is a world away from the dramas of Cherry-Evans and his impending Sea Eagles exit.
"It definitely came as a surprise," Humphreys said of Cherry-Evans' announcement.
"Chez is a legend of that club and someone that I call a friend. I was a bit surprised to see it, and I wish him all the best with whatever happens.
"I'm sure he'll make the right decision, whatever that is. Wherever he goes, he'll be an asset to that team."
While Manly search for a bridge to gap the time to 18-year-old Joey Walsh's debut, Humphreys may have been exactly what they needed.
As a young half Humphreys once worked in the club's merchandise store at Manly Leagues, and spent several years on their books as a development player.
The 23-year-old impressed on debut against Newcastle last year, but by that point had already agreed a move to Souths after going unsigned at Manly.
Jamie Humphreys dives over for a try on his Sea Eagles debut | Photo: James Gourley/AAP
Humphreys has since proven to have what it takes to make it in the NRL, leading the Rabbitohs to a 3-1 start to the season.
He has taken over Souths' general-play kicking, freed up Cody Walker, won games with the boot and nailed a match-winning field goal against St George Illawarra.
"I haven't really had a second to think about (the Manly situation) it so it hasn't really been on my mind," Humphreys said.
"They've got some things going on over there, but I'm focused on my time here ... and what I can do for this club. That's not going to change."
Humphreys is this week preparing for one of the biggest games of his life, aiming to add another page to the Rabbitohs' book of feuds with the Roosters.
"It's something that's pretty special in this game and it's something I had bookmarked in my calendar," he said.
"This club takes it really seriously and there's a lot of history behind it so I'm really excited for it."
He will also play with Latrell Mitchell for the first time, albeit with their combination put on hold with the Indigenous superstar playing centre on Friday before a likely shift back to No.1.
"He is such a commanding figure in this game, so it's really exciting to have him back," Humphreys said.
"We know the damage that he can cause."
