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Cherry-Evans earns Toovey plaudits
Don't worry about second-season blues, Daly Cherry-Evans has only just scratched the surface of his talents.
That's the view of Manly NRL coach Geoff Toovey as the 22-year-old halfback prepares for this weekend's World Club Challenge against Leeds at Headingley.
Cherry-Evans had a dream debut season for the Sea Eagles in 2011, playing in every match and scoring a try in the 24-10 grand final triumph over the Warriors.
He capped his season by touring Britain with the Kangaroos and being named halfback in the Rugby League International Federation's team of the year.
With more scrutiny expected on the Queenslander in 2012, former halfback Toovey was confident his charge was up to handling the extra attention.
"He is a very mature young man," he said.
"The thing people will find out about Cherry is that he still has a lot of potential to fulfil.
"He is still learning and still wanting to improve. There is plenty of room for improvement."
Manly are desperately trying to sign Cherry-Evans and five-eighth Kieran Foran on longer-term deals.
Toovey said the young halves had benefited from playing in such an experienced and settled lineup.
"It always helps when you surround yourself with a very successful side and players like Jamie Lyon, Brett Stewart, Glenn Stewart, Anthony Watmough," Toovey said.
"That always makes your game that little bit easier."
Manly captain Lyon understands better than most how overwhelming the pressures of the modern game can be on young players.
The star centre quit Parramatta in dramatic circumstances in 2004 after falling out of love with the professional game.
Following a Super League stint at St Helens, he returned to Australia in 2007 with Manly.
Lyon believed the club's culture would help Cherry-Evans keep his feet on the ground.
"He is pretty level headed - there won't be any dramas," Lyon said.
"I am sure if something did happen, I am sure the senior players and Toovs would have a chat to him. He is too good of a kid to let things go to his head."
Having only watched clips of him on television, Leeds coach Brian McDermott appeared baffled at Cherry-Evans' success in 2011.
"Cherry-Evans is one of those - he does not look quick enough to play almost," he said.
"He has one of those loping steps and you wonder whether he is a genuine half but then some of the things he does, he clearly prises open defences."
Cherry-Evans earns Toovey plaudits
Don't worry about second-season blues, Daly Cherry-Evans has only just scratched the surface of his talents.
That's the view of Manly NRL coach Geoff Toovey as the 22-year-old halfback prepares for this weekend's World Club Challenge against Leeds at Headingley.
Cherry-Evans had a dream debut season for the Sea Eagles in 2011, playing in every match and scoring a try in the 24-10 grand final triumph over the Warriors.
He capped his season by touring Britain with the Kangaroos and being named halfback in the Rugby League International Federation's team of the year.
With more scrutiny expected on the Queenslander in 2012, former halfback Toovey was confident his charge was up to handling the extra attention.
"He is a very mature young man," he said.
"The thing people will find out about Cherry is that he still has a lot of potential to fulfil.
"He is still learning and still wanting to improve. There is plenty of room for improvement."
Manly are desperately trying to sign Cherry-Evans and five-eighth Kieran Foran on longer-term deals.
Toovey said the young halves had benefited from playing in such an experienced and settled lineup.
"It always helps when you surround yourself with a very successful side and players like Jamie Lyon, Brett Stewart, Glenn Stewart, Anthony Watmough," Toovey said.
"That always makes your game that little bit easier."
Manly captain Lyon understands better than most how overwhelming the pressures of the modern game can be on young players.
The star centre quit Parramatta in dramatic circumstances in 2004 after falling out of love with the professional game.
Following a Super League stint at St Helens, he returned to Australia in 2007 with Manly.
Lyon believed the club's culture would help Cherry-Evans keep his feet on the ground.
"He is pretty level headed - there won't be any dramas," Lyon said.
"I am sure if something did happen, I am sure the senior players and Toovs would have a chat to him. He is too good of a kid to let things go to his head."
Having only watched clips of him on television, Leeds coach Brian McDermott appeared baffled at Cherry-Evans' success in 2011.
"Cherry-Evans is one of those - he does not look quick enough to play almost," he said.
"He has one of those loping steps and you wonder whether he is a genuine half but then some of the things he does, he clearly prises open defences."
