- Daly Cherry-Evans is leaving the Sea Eagles
- Move has stunned fans, who may turn on him
- Take on the Eels this Sunday at Brookvale Oval
Daly Cherry-Evans has declared he ‘isn’t worried’ about bitter Sea Eagles fans booing him this weekend at Brookvale Oval after the halfback sensationally announced he is leaving the NRL club at the end of this season.
Where the veteran ends up in 2026 still remains up in the air – but the Roosters or Bulldogs appear to be the likely destination.
The Gold Coast Titans are a dark horse option given Cherry-Evans, 36, is close with head coach Des Hasler, who he won a premiership under in 2011.
But a move away from Sydney is unlikely, with Cherry-Evans’ family settled on the northern beaches.
The bombshell development has floored Manly supporters – and some are expected to make their feelings known on Sunday afternoon in the round four clash against Parramatta.
‘To be honest, no, I’m not worried,’ the captain said when asked how he will feel if locals decked out in maroon and white turn on him.
Daly Cherry-Evans (pictured with wife Vessa) has declared he ‘isn’t worried’ if Sea Eagles fans boo him this weekend at Brookvale Oval
It comes after the halfback sensationally announced he is leaving the NRL club at the end of this season (pictured, with wife Vessa, the couple’s three girls and Robert Irwin)
‘I’m not saying that’s not going to happen, it’d be naïve for me to think people aren’t going to say something, that’s understandable – but I’m not worried about it, no.
‘I know there’s so much love and support from people at the club.’
Meanwhile, Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov confirmed on Tuesday Cherry-Evans spoke to the club in December about his future plans – and they didn’t include playing for a rival NRL club.
‘We coined him a deal [on Monday] for the next two years, the ball is now in his court,’ he said.
‘He indicated [to the club] he was going to retire or play overseas. He told us he didn’t know what he wanted to do.
‘It is his decision, and I will stress there is no animosity from us, or from Cherry.
‘He is a legend of this club, and if he continues to play in the NRL, we hope it is with the Manly Sea Eagles.’
Daily Mail Australia understands Manly offered the veteran $750,000 for one season – and given the lack of quality playmakers on the NRL market, ‘DCE’ was well aware he could command up to $1million elsewhere.
He was also chasing a two-year deal.
Cherry-Evans had played 333 first grade games over 15 seasons for the Sea Eagles, which is a club record.
He has also chalked up 25 State of Origin appearances for Queensland and 21 matches for Australia in a decorated career.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .