The Daly Cherrygraph

[JakeyB789]

There's a thing called a salary cap. And when certain players take up a majority of it, you can only recruit players next to them of certain calibre. The players on the big money are meant to impact the game. Dce isn't as good as everyone has talked him up to be. Touch footy player, that can kick a drop goal and talk like a politician. Nothing more, nothing less.

Bang on. I'm sure the argument here will be that Tom & Jake are also taking up a significant chunk of the cap, but they aren't the ones off contract here and we all know their contract negotiations won't become an absolute circus like DCE's has.. Tom even allegedly tried to give money back to the club last year. Can not wait for either of them to become the new captain and to finally have a leader that we know will be putting the club first.

Could you imagine if we lost someone like Bullemor, a player in his mid 20s getting better every year in a position we struggle in, because we caved into a 36-year old's demands and gave him the extra 300-400k or however much he's wanted. Now repeat this exercise over the last 10 years with players we've actually lost and there is quite the list.

Yesterday was a great day for the club and I can't wait to see what the future holds with a new captain, new identity and more salary cap space. If people weren't so attached to DCE because he's been around forever, and forgotten the club existed (and succeeded) before him and will do so after him, then they could probably see it from a different perspective too.

 

[47MVEagle]

It would seem that all of you are either in two camps

1) the club & Mestrov have royally screwed this and it’s all their fault , Daly is a god and should be treated like one.

OR

2) Dalys a Diva, he’s playing this beautifully to create his media persona, whilst ditching the club who gave him a start , and a record 10 year contract , for what quite clearly is a monster two year deal with the Roosters , which will involve coaching post retirement and a walk up start at Channel 9.

Not sure there’s a third option but happy to hear one.

Bit of both I reckon

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Bit of both I reckon

No I think most will be in one camp or the other.

You only have to read the comments to see that.

 

[47MVEagle]

No I think most will be in one camp or the other.

You only have to read the comments to see that.

Sorry, I meant I reckon it's a bit of both that's actually happened.

I certainly wasn't expecting this news so it's disappointing but also not that bad insofar it gives the club plenty of time to make plans without DCE & also the extra $$$ they'll save.

Interesting times ahead, I wonder if the club will target someone from outside the club or develop from within.

Will Joey Walsh be ready for 2026? Will we see him getting a run this season to get some first grade experience?

 

[jbb/james]

It would seem that all of you are either in two camps

1) the club & Mestrov have royally screwed this and it’s all their fault , Daly is a god and should be treated like one.

OR

2) Dalys a Diva, he’s playing this beautifully to create his media persona, whilst ditching the club who gave him a start , and a record 10 year contract , for what quite clearly is a monster two year deal with the Roosters , which will involve coaching post retirement and a walk up start at Channel 9.

Not sure there’s a third option but happy to hear one.

Is sounded to me as though Manly thought they had right of reply and were blindsided somewhat when a deal that was too good to refuse came along

I reckon Redcliffe had him considering in december, but the chooks pounced in march

 

[Brookie1973]

Ah , finally someone that’s thinking.

He could not give a **** about Manly or us fans , it’s ALL about him.

Zero class , and the club captain to boot.

No doubt he can play , no doubt he speaks well , but it’s all about him and never was anything else.

It’s also kind of curious to me that this all came out the day after a great home victory and all the positive emotions around “do it for Beau” (which seemed to centre more around the turbos), and a generally positive outlook for the clubs prospects this year. But now someone else is well and truly back in the spotlight.

 

[Sea Eagle 4 Life]

Yesterday was a great day for the club and I can't wait to see what the future holds with a new captain, new identity and more salary cap space.

The short term future (up to 3 years) will be grim for sure.

 

[manly al]

Pretty sure that the Bunnies had signed Jamie Humphryes before the end of last season so fair to say that the club would not have had any definite idea what D C E "s future intentions were at that stage
Maybe a fairly high priority to now try and fast track Walsh who does seem to have genuine footy smarts and ability and thought that he was not on the small side contrary to some other suggestions on here but not really sure.
Wonder how Beau Alexander is progressing and Choc mentioned some other young half in the club presently .
Probably not a good move to consider Brooks playing as the 7 .
Who ever eventually ends up as the 7 next season will have to have a good passing game first and foremost as many of Manly plays and key attackers rely on some effective service or select passing from the middle or ruck edges

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Is sounded to me as though Manly thought they had right of reply and were blindsided somewhat when a deal that was too good to refuse came along

I reckon Redcliffe had him considering in december, but the chooks pounced in march

Here’s my view , and I’m not in the know

The club would have most certainly instigated discussions on a contract post 2025.

If Mestrov is to be believed they were told , I haven’t decided if I’m retiring or I might go overseas , let’s discuss this in 2025.

The Dolphins may well have “ breached the subject “ , but Daly would have thought , “ nah I can play another year if I want to or maybe two “ and can stay where the kids are at school etc.

We get to 2025, training recommences , you can bet Mestrov would have said “ ready for discussions yet Daly “ , not sure yet boss , might retire , might not.

Uncle Nick then says “ Daly have we got a deal for you “ , two years at 3 million , coaching job for 5 years after at a million a year , and I’ve talked to my mates at Channel 9 and you’ll get a million a year there as well.

Sweet says Daly, let’s do an announcement that I’m not playing for Manly any more on Channel 9 ( that’ll boost the ratings ) it’ll cause a ****storm and make it look like it was all Manly’s fault.

Seriously I’ll take some convincing to think this isn’t bloody close to what’s happened.

 

[manly al]

Bang on. I'm sure the argument here will be that Tom & Jake are also taking up a significant chunk of the cap, but they aren't the ones off contract here and we all know their contract negotiations won't become an absolute circus like DCE's has.. Tom even allegedly tried to give money back to the club last year. Can not wait for either of them to become the new captain and to finally have a leader that we know will be putting the club first.

Could you imagine if we lost someone like Bullemor, a player in his mid 20s getting better every year in a position we struggle in, because we caved into a 36-year old's demands and gave him the extra 300-400k or however much he's wanted. Now repeat this exercise over the last 10 years with players we've actually lost and there is quite the list.

Yesterday was a great day for the club and I can't wait to see what the future holds with a new captain, new identity and more salary cap space. If people weren't so attached to DCE because he's been around forever, and forgotten the club existed (and succeeded) before him and will do so after him, then they could probably see it from a different perspective too.

Heard last night that Bullemor was a good chance of being re signed by Manly quite soon which would be positive news and hopefully much more simple and straightforward then this present D C E fracus

 

[47MVEagle]

Here’s my view , and I’m not in the know

The club would have most certainly instigated discussions on a contract post 2025.

If Mestrov is to be believed they were told , I haven’t decided if I’m retiring or I might go overseas , let’s discuss this in 2025.

The Dolphins may well have “ breached the subject “ , but Daly would have thought , “ nah I can play another year if I want to or maybe two “ and can stay where the kids are at school etc.

We get to 2025, training recommences , you can bet Mestrov would have said “ ready for discussions yet Daly “ , not sure yet boss , might retire , might not.

Uncle Nick then says “ Daly have we got a deal for you “ , two years at 3 million , coaching job for 5 years after at a million a year , and I’ve talked to my mates at Channel 9 and you’ll get a million a year there as well.

Sweet says Daly, let’s do an announcement that I’m not playing for Manly any more on Channel 9 ( that’ll boost the ratings ) it’ll cause a ****storm and make it look like it was all Manly’s fault.

Seriously I’ll take some convincing to think this isn’t bloody close to what’s happened.

Yeah, I get the vibe that he's avoided contract discussions with the club with the implication that he might retire after 2025, just long enough for another club to table a big money offer to him (likely roosters).

 

[JakeyB789]

The short term future (up to 3 years) will be grim for sure.

Are we certain the club is happy to let DCE walk without any sort of backup plan for next year? Sure we let Humphreys go (and I've absolutely hated that) but we now have ~$1m in cap space to target a replacement. Reynolds is off contract and could be looking to come back to Sydney, Fogarty is a solid enough halfback with a good kicking game, there are probably options out there that no one has even considered. Just because DCE is leaving now doesn't automatically mean Jake Arthur is our starting halfback next year.

We have some pretty talented players in our side and I'm excited to see them utilised more effectively. I don't even think we need a superstar halfback in the team, rather just a good organiser that can kick well and get the ball to the weapons we do have. Tom will likely become captain and take even more control and ownership of the team on the field, of course that's pending his ability to stay on there. But how is that any different to the last 5+ years anyway?

 

[BirdMan4ever]

DCE has played his business cards here again , just like he did in the past. The sneaky , disrespectful public announcement on channel 9 was a planned payday for him and a future media deal.
strip his captencty asap.
Start to plan life without him now, he has disheartened the fans , the club and playing group.

Have faith feathered freinds , this will be good riddance.

 

[Sheikheagle]

DCE has played his business cards here again , just like he did in the past. The sneaky , disrespectful public announcement on channel 9 was a planned payday for him and a future media deal.
strip his captencty asap.
Start to plan life without him now, he has disheartened the fans , the club and playing group.

Have faith feathered freinds , this will be good riddance.

Yeah agree. Now that the dust has settled i feel excited about whats to come.

 

[rmd]

I think that DCE requesting Joey Walsh has his locker next to his was a pretty clear indication DCE was always intending to leave at the end of this year, especially when he said he’d made his mind up in December.

DCE’s parents are not getting any younger and maybe he wants his family to spend some quality time with them in QLD, which I don’t begrudge at all.

Many thought the world would end when Hodkinson left and then up stepped a young DCE, and he more than filled the void, however, DCE was playing QLD Cup the year before, he won a premiership and was awarded Player of the Year in that comp.

Joey Walsh on the other hand is playing Jersey Flegg this year.

Who knows what will happen, however, just like Brown at Parra, DCE is sure to get some response from the Hill this weekend.

 

[frank stokes]

Are we certain the club is happy to let DCE walk without any sort of backup plan for next year? Sure we let Humphreys go (and I've absolutely hated that) but we now have ~$1m in cap space to target a replacement. Reynolds is off contract and could be looking to come back to Sydney, Fogarty is a solid enough halfback with a good kicking game, there are probably options out there that no one has even considered. Just because DCE is leaving now doesn't automatically mean Jake Arthur is our starting halfback next year.

We have some pretty talented players in our side and I'm excited to see them utilised more effectively. I don't even think we need a superstar halfback in the team, rather just a good organiser that can kick well and get the ball to the weapons we do have. Tom will likely become captain and take even more control and ownership of the team on the field, of course that's pending his ability to stay on there. But how is that any different to the last 5+ years anyway?

Reynolds is risky….

He has been great at the broncs but has also spent a lot of time out injured… even in their GF he spent about an hour injured and could not really impact the game…

 

[BOZO]

Daly Cherry-Evans deserves to go out on his terms - and Manly have dropped the ball big time​

Manly and the club's fans are reeling after Monday's bombshell events.​

Andrew Reid
Updated Tue 25 March 2025 at 9:42 am AEDT·4-min read

It's hard to separate fact from fiction in this whole Daly Cherry-Evans saga and it seems clear that we don't yet know the full story. But one thing that's abundantly clear is Manly ultimately decided they wanted to keep the skipper for another two years, however the club's eleventh-hour offer on live TV was too little, too late. The ship had already sailed and DCE had made up his mind that it was time to move on.
The Manly captain's revelation that this season would be his last at the club sent shockwaves around the NRL world on Monday. DCE confirmed the news on Nine's '100% Footy' program and revealed the Sea Eagles had still not offered him a new deal at the end of last year, so he decided to cut ties with the club and allow the Sea Eagles to focus on ushering in their next halfback.
DCE denied reports that Manly eventually made him a 'lowball' offer to stay at the club beyond this year, despite suggestions he was seeking a two-year deal. The Manly captain insisted there was no bad blood with the club but if that's entirely true, it begs the question why he "respectfully" turned down the club's late offer of a two-year, $1.5 million extension on Monday night. After all, the two-year deal is seemingly what he was always after.


There have been murmurings of a potential rift with Anthony Seibold due to the fact Cherry-Evans didn't invite the Manly coach to his wedding last year. But even if there was a semblance of truth to those rumours, Cherry-Evans is too smart and too classy to air it publicly and potentially destabilise the club. Reading between the lines though, it does appear like he's decided to move on somewhere else, but you can understand why he wouldn't want to announce that after just three rounds.
This season is DCE's 15th at the club and his commitment to Manly should not be called into question. Few players have worked as hard as the 36-year-old, been better role models on and off the field and delivered such consistent performances over such a long period of time - while staying relatively injury-free. He's only missed 20 games across his entire career and many of them have been because of State of Origin and he holds the record for most appearances for the club.

And that's precisely why Manly were naive to treat Cherry-Evans like any normal 36-year-old player, rather than one of the premier halves in the competition. DCE is still the incumbent Maroons captain and is playing some of the best footy of his career, making Manly's reluctance to initially offer him more than a one-year extension a little hard to believe. They should have done everything in their power to ensure DCE finished his career as a one-club player.
The situation has been likened to the one that saw Adam Reynolds leave Souths for Brisbane after the Bunnies were only willing to offer the club favourite a one-year extension. But unlike Reynolds, Manly's skipper does not have the injury history and it should have been an easy decision from Sea Eagles officials to hand him a two-year deal, considering his impressive form and influence on the side.

Daly Cherry-Evans wanted what he was worth​

I've seen plenty of so-called Manly fans accuse DCE of being greedy and claiming that he should have taken a pay-cut to stay at the club. What an absolute load of crap. Who in their right mind would do that when they're performing their job as well as ever and continue to set the standards for others to follow?
Why should DCE have to accept less money when there are other players at the club on similar or even bigger pay-packets that have less influence on footy games? Cherry-Evans was only seeking what he felt he was entitled to and no one should begrudge him for doing that. And the brutal truth for the Sea Eagles is that a rival club will almost certainly give him what he wants.
The sad thing for Manly is the club only came to the realisation about DCE's worth when it was too late. And it begs the question about how the club's powerbrokers let it get to this point. Rather than pointing the finger of blame at Cherry-Evans, maybe it's time to realise that Manly officials really dropped the ball when it came to the future of their captain and leader.

 

[Wombat64]

I have mate who sponsors the Roosters. He tells me that he is going there. This has been happening for a while now.....

 

[frank stokes]

I have mate who sponsors the Roosters. He tells me that he is going there. This has been happening for a while now.....

Not saying your mate is wrong @Wombat64 but if “this has been happening for a while now” then it is absolutely amazing that the info has not got out…

That is pretty big news and people love to tell others “what they know that you do not”…

but, that is my suspicion anyways so I will not be surprised…

 

[Wombat64]

Not saying your mate is wrong @Wombat64 but if “this has been happening for a while now” then it is absolutely amazing that the info has not got out…

That is pretty big news and people love to tell others “what they know that you do not”…

but, that is my suspicion anyways so I will not be surprised…

To be fair my mate can be a bit of a wanker, so I do take it with a grain of salt but it makes sense to me.