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'We weren’t blindsided': Manly CEO fronts the media as DCE bombshell creates mass confusion
Charles Goodsir & Emily Benammar • March 25th, 2025 12:15 pm
Manly Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov has sought to clarify the club’s position in terms of the future of star halfback and captain Daly Cherry-Evans.
Cherry-Evans sent shockwaves throughout the NRL world when he confirmed that he would not end his career at Manly after 15 seasons at the club.
Speaking on 100% Footy on Channel Nine, Cherry-Evans said conversations with the club had been ongoing since December 2024 but had ultimately made the decision to move on after the 2025 season.
As news broke of his decision, rival rugby league show NRL 360 was contacted by Mestrov and Sea Eagles owner Scott Penn live on air about a revised two-year offer around $1.4 million for the Manly captain.
As mass confusion ensued, Mestrov fronted the media on Tuesday morning to clarify the club’s position and reiterate that there was no animosity between the two parties.
“Daly is a legend at this club. If he plays in the NRL we want him to play with the Manly Sea Eagles,” Mestrov said in his press conference.
“Daly has felt like he’s had to come out. We did not want to make him an offer or infiltrate him in any way.
“We made an offer (on Monday) to his manager and we had been speaking about that for a while.
“There is no animosity with me, the club or the coach. As far as we were concerned, Daly wasn’t sure what he was going to do and I don’t think he’s still certain if he wants to retire.
“We were discussing an offer in October/November. He was clear it would be his last year at Manly. It’s his right to do whatever he wants.
“We weren’t blindsided, I think he’s still not sure what he is doing. While he is reconsidering his future, we made an offer.
“The offer (on NRL 360) was not a knee jerk reaction. It’s a shock to the broader world but not to us. He’s been up front about it.
“It’s healthy that Daly has it out there now because it had the propensity to derail the year. It’s healthy for everyone.
“He is irreplaceable. He will never be forgotten. Like every club you have got to move on.
“The first formal offer was this morning (Tuesday). We haven't lowballed because we wouldn't disrespect Daly.”
SEN’s Andrew Voss was left incredibly confused at Cherry-Evans’ comments on Channel Nine and believes there are holes in the halfback’s recollection of events.
Cherry-Evans revealed that Manly would only offer a contract if rival clubs came knocking to which the Queensland captain said there were no suitors.
“It makes no logical sense,” Voss declared on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“If you’re playing on in 2026 and you’re a club great, you are staying at Manly.
“I’d be naming the Spit Bridge after him because of how much he has given to the club. He is that valuable.
“DCE explaining the timeline also makes no sense to me. He is walking out on them and he sounds comfortable with it.
“He says that no sneaky offers have been made to him. He’s telling us that there’s no other offers but he’s walking out anyway. Is there any other take on it?
“There are offers. There has to be something because we are living in the real world.
“He is still a top four halfback in the game.
“I’m sorry but it makes no sense to me.”
Cherry-Evans debuted in 2011 and has played a record 332 games for Manly.
The Sea Eagles host the Parramatta Eels on Sunday at 4 Pines Park.
