Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Scott Bailey

Manly players know premiership window hinges on one man

Daly Cherry-Evans' future will be a talking point throughout the 2025 season. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)

Manly players have acknowledged the club must strike for a premiership while Daly Cherry-Evans is still calling the shots, while adamant the halfback could play until beyond age 40.

Cherry-Evans will begin what is potentially his final season in the NRL on Saturday night, when the Sea Eagles host North Queensland at Brookvale.

One of the biggest names in the game for the past 15 years, the Manly captain is off contract at the end of this year and has remained coy on his future.

Now aged 36, Cherry-Evans has played some of his best football over the past two years, finishing in the top five in the 2023 and 2024 Dally M count.

And while Manly players insist the decision is one for Cherry-Evans to make, they are firm believers the only current NRL player born in the 1980s could go on - and on.

Tom Trbojevic (left) and Daly Cherry-Evans
Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans have been Manly's talismans throughout recent years. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

"It does seem strange," superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic said. 

"He is like someone who could play for another 10 years, the way he trains and plays. 

"He'll make that decision and that's ultimately how it will work. But I am very grateful I get to play for him for so long, and hopefully get a few more years."

Trbojevic is also realistic that this year is crucial for Manly while they still have Cherry-Evans in the team.

Blessed with some of the best attacking threats in the game, Manly made last year's semi-finals and have finished in the top four once in the past decade.

"No one is getting any younger," Trbojevic said.

"I feel like we're in a really good spot now. It's a really important year for us and we want to keep going forward."

The Sea Eagles have won a premiership in every decade since the 1970s, but most recently lifted the trophy in Cherry-Evans' rookie year of 2011.

They have signed a core of players long term, but know their best chance to win soon is in the Cherry-Evans era.

"It's definitely no secret we've got one of the best captains and leaders in the game, and that increases our opportunity to win a premiership," winger Jason Saab said. 

"Along with Jakey (Trbojevic) and Turbo, these guys are not getting any younger. We know we have a great opportunity over the next season or two.

"No one is ever looking past round one. But everyone knows we have a window. Every club has a window. 

"I remember a couple of years ago, Parramatta had a window and they made the grand final."

Jason Saab of the Sea Eagles
Jason Saab believes Manly have a golden chance to do something special this season. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

Saab said Manly were now firmly in their premiership window, and had reason to believe they could strike this year.

"For some clubs they are building to make the eight. But we have been through that phase where we wanted to just make the finals," Saab said. 

"Now we want to make top four and win grand finals. You set realistic goals, but that is realistic for us. 

"This year is the year where we are confident and going all in for that."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.