I am shattered...not so much for the future of Manly (he had to finish sooner or later) but more what it means in reflection; all my fond memories of DCE and the club's highlights over the last 15 years come with an asterisk now. The enjoyment of looking back is clouded. I understand it's a job for the players but I guess deep down part of me hoped (or believed) that it was different for a veteran of 15 years and a proud club captain. The pride I felt when we beat Canterbury in the semi-final last year, with DCE scoring a cracking try of his own and being a big part of Koula's match winner, seems odd to me knowing that he could turn around and wear that Bulldogs jumper against us?! Why?!
Having thought about the possible reasons, I have landed on two schools of thought. They are based on reading between the lines of what's been said and/or accepted in various instances:
1. I heard a rumour last year that DCE did not get on with Seibold and was keen to go elsewhere to finish his career. I heard it before the media mentioned anything about a missing invitation to Daly's wedding. I didn't believe it at the time because I thought it was inconceivable that he could leave Manly. That it's since happened and he's talking two years post-Manly, says the rumour was either odd coincidence, or true.
2. He's told Manly way back in December that this year will be his last at Manly because he has signed a deal with the Roosters or Dogs. Why? Because of commercial arrangements/contacts/life after footy stuff that Manly cannot offer, etc.
What I choose not to believe is that Manly fell asleep at the wheel, disrespected him, didn't offer a deal that he was after, etc. I base that on his decision to inform Manly of his departure at season's end, way back last year, when the conversation first started. He's indicated that both parties have known for some time. If he was leveraging Manly for a better deal that was not forthcoming, he wouldn't have told them of his decision last year and he would refute claims by Mestrov that he had indicated retirement or overseas, etc.
So yeah, in my mind, he's leaving because he doesn't like Seibs and/or he's landed a better post-football opportunity with another club. I could be wrong about it all but that's what my gut is telling me.
