Source @ Sydney Morning Hearld, Danny Weirdler 23/03/25
Daly Cherry-Evans could be valued at less than $400,000 in the salary cap by the NRL next year if Manly want to re-sign him. But right now, the club privately believes he entered this year leaning towards giving the game away at the end of the season.
Manly insiders, not authorised to speak publicly, say Cherry-Evans has been told about a potential coaching job at the club, while media opportunities are also being put forward.
There has been a lot written and said about Cherry-Evans’ future. At this point, he has not yet made up his mind whether to play on in 2026. And that’s a long way from demanding a two-year extension to stay at Manly, as has been suggested in some areas. Neither the club nor DCE’s management say they have heard anything about demands for a two-year contract extension.
Some of the commentary about Cherry-Evans has gone down badly with those close to him.
Cherry-Evans is keeping things to himself, so the truth is not easy to extract. From what this column can ascertain, the club is completely aware of his position, that he is still contemplating his future.
Daly Cherry-Evans is still weighing up whether to play on in 2026.CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
Sources at the NRL, not authorised to speak publicly, tell me Cherry-Evans will not break the bank for the Sea Eagles, or another club, if he wants to play next year. The Eagles have been told he will be valued by the NRL at $400,000, or even less, on the salary cap.
That is in line with Ben Hunt and his valuation at the Broncos. Hunt, 34, was seen as a $650,000 player by the NRL. That would mean Manly would pick up a bargain buy if Cherry-Evans, 36, was to stay, particularly when compared to the monster $1.4 million-a-season deal Dylan Brown will earn in Newcastle.
The NRL can nominate a minimum figure for a player’s salary it will accept on the club’s salary cap, to avoid clubs being advantaged by a player agreeing to a contract significantly below market value. They won’t discuss publicly what the DCE figure is.
There are several other NRL clubs watching what Cherry-Evans does, and they will pay significantly more for a 12-month stint, which could be extended if he plays to the level everybody knows he can. DCE could earn in the order of $800,000 at rival teams if he shocked everyone and decided to test the market.
One of the clubs watching closely is the Roosters, who like DCE’s character and his relationship with their young half Sam Walker.
Cherry-Evans, who will be 37 by the start of next season, has shown no signs of slowing down, and with quality halfbacks thin on the ground in the NRL, he could make big money.
One thing that can’t be challenged is his commitment to a big year with Manly.
