Tom Trbojevic believes that Daly Cherry-Evans merits cheers rather than boos during his return to Brookvale Oval, though he refrained from advising the Manly fans to abstain from jeering the halfback in round four.
This sentiment comes as the new Manly captain and Ben Trbojevic stand up for their brother Jake amidst "unfair" criticisms regarding form, as the Sea Eagles continue their winless streak.
Cherry-Evans' tumultuous departure from Manly and his subsequent signing with the Sydney Roosters overshadowed headlines in the NRL for 2025, coinciding with a lackluster season for the Sea Eagles.
Fans had long anticipated that he would conclude his career with the club he has become synonymous with over 15 NRL seasons, until mismanaged contract discussions led him to the prestigious Roosters.
The matchup on Thursday night between the traditional powerhouses, the Roosters, and the struggling Sea Eagles is set to be an emotionally charged first appearance for Cherry-Evans against his former club.
Though Manly captain Trbojevic remains close friends with Cherry-Evans, he understands if the Manly supporters express strong feelings about his return to their home ground.