Sportal.com.au
With Nate Myles leaving the Gold Coast Titans for the Sea Eagles, we ask what it means for Manly and Daly Cherry-Evans
WHAT’S HAPPENED?
A: Nate Myles has signed a three-year deal with Manly, starting in 2016
SO WHAT?
A: Well, DCE and Myles are close friends, as are their respective partners. The theory goes that Cherry-Evans will now want to stay at Brookvale to play with his good mate.
DID MANLY SIGN MYLES TO TRY TO KEEP DCE?
A: That's very cynical of you. Myles is a quality player and current Origin rep and Manly are desperate for forwards. But it certainly doesn't hurt their chances of retaining the No.7
HOW LONG HAVE MANLY GOT TO CONVINCE DCE?
A: Right up until kick off in round 13, which is Friday, 7:45pm, June 5.
ARE THEY PUTTING THE HEAVY WORD ON HIM?
A: Yes and no. There's no doubt talks are going on but they are also mindful of giving him some space.
BUT DIDN'T DCE COMMIT TO GOLD COAST JUST THE OTHER DAY?
A: Again, yes and no. That's the problem. His answers are always ambivalent. He said 'there is nothing to report' when asked whether a backflip was on the cards. He was asked again
here on Sunday and the answer was again open ended.
SO SHOULD THE TITANS BE WORRIED?
A: Yes
WILL IT HAPPEN?
A: At this stage it is more likely than unlikely but that doesn’t mean it will definitely happen. Manly still have another seven weeks to change DCE’s mind. There is definitely something going on and where there’s smoke there is usually fire in rugby league.
WHERE DOES THAT LEAVE THE TITANS IF IT DOES HAPPEN?
A: They will be absolutely ropeable – and rightly so. They sold the farm to get Cherry-Evans to the club and are planning the next 5-10 years around the playmaker. They’ve also let Aidan Sezer depart to Canberra in the belief the Manly No. 7 is headed their way.
DOES THE MYLES SIGNING IMPACT ON KIERAN FORAN'S FUTURE?
A: No. He is still off to Parramatta.
WHAT ARE THE FANS SAYING?
A: Optimistic Sea Eagles fans are joining the dots and believe it's only a matter of time before DCE comes to his senses and announces he's staying. The more pragmatic supporters are doing internal cartwheels but know there is a lot more to play out. Titans fans continue to sweat bullets.