LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Manly Sea Eagles have officially announced the departure of nine players after their recent 27-26 victory against the New Zealand Warriors, a match that also marked Daly Cherry-Evans' final appearance with the team.
Following what was a disappointing season for the team on the Northern Beaches, AAP journalist Scott Bailey reports that the current extended squad will see significant changes, as nine players will not return in 2026.
The most notable of these departures is Cherry-Evans, who had previously confirmed that 2025 would be his last season with the Sea Eagles. While he is widely expected to sign with the Sydney Roosters for the upcoming season, he has yet to finalize a deal.
Meanwhile, forwards Toafofoa Sipley and Jazz Tevaga are set to leave for the English Super League, with Sipley heading to the Warrington Wolves and Tevaga signing with Wakefield Trinity. Additionally, utility Dean Matterson has secured a position with a Super XIII team in France.
Josh Aloiai is also likely to have played his final game for Manly. Although contracted until 2027, he is anticipated to retire due to ongoing medical issues stemming from a chronic shoulder injury, which limited his playtime to just five games in 2025.
The club has also bid farewell to Gordon Chan Kum Tong, Tommy Talau, Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega, and Michael Chee-Kam. Talau's exit is particularly unexpected, given that he played 10 matches this season.
"Obviously, I'd love to stay," Talau remarked to the Daily Telegraph earlier, yet that option now seems unlikely.