LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Manly Sea Eagles, a team known for their fighting spirit, were contenders in the finals in 2024, and are hungry for a repeat performance in 2025.
However, the upcoming recruitment period could see a changing of the guard for the club, with whispers of a potential generational shift on the horizon.
The key player at the center of it all is none other than Daly Cherry-Evans.
Cherry-Evans, a stalwart halfback who has been a mainstay at Manly for over a decade, is currently at a crossroads.
At 35 years old, the seasoned player has yet to sign a new deal for 2026, leaving fans on edge about his future with the club.
With an impressive 329 games already under his belt, Cherry-Evans is closing in on a milestone 350 games if he stays fit for the upcoming season.
However, at 37 by the start of the 2026 season, the veteran player may be considering hanging up his boots at the end of his current contract.
As the Sea Eagles navigate this period of uncertainty, they will be keeping a keen eye on Cherry-Evans and what his decision means for the team's future.
Will the club have to find a new leader to spearhead their attack, or will Cherry-Evans find the fire within to push on for another season? Only time will tell in this game of rugby league chess.