Daly Cherry-Evans Confirms Manly Departure After Rejecting Contract Extension

The NRL veteran is weighing options for 2026 as the Roosters, Dolphins, and Bulldogs express interest in signing him.

Daly Cherry-Evans has officially rejected Manly Sea Eagles' two-year, $1.4 million contract extension, confirming his departure at the end of the 2025 season.
The 36-year-old halfback is considering playing on in 2026, with the Roosters, Dolphins, and Bulldogs emerging as potential suitors for his signature.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson and Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf have publicly expressed interest, with the Dolphins confirming they have the salary cap space for a lucrative offer.
Cherry-Evans' decision has reignited criticism of the NRL's player movement system, with Wayne Bennett calling for structured trade windows to prevent mid-season distractions.
Manly teammates and fans were caught off guard by the announcement, with Jake Trbojevic expressing shock and reflecting on the legacy Cherry-Evans leaves behind.