LOYALTY – DRIVEN DECISION: Manly Sea Eagles Super Star Daly Cherry Evans stuns fans leaves Head Coach Anthony Seibold Voiceless with Major Announcement Choosing Loyalty over gain, turns down tempting offer from Canberra Raiders despite……see more..

In a move that stunned the rugby league world, Queensland Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans has quietly yet firmly sent a message: loyalty matters. The veteran play-maker of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles has opted to turn down a reported tempting offer from rival clubs — choosing instead to focus on his deep connection with Manly and his legacy.

A sudden decision that shook up the season

Cherry-Evans, 36 years old, announced in March 2025 that he would not be extending his stay at Manly beyond the season. Rather than leap at a multi-year contract or chase greener pastures, he declared the 2025 campaign would be his last at Brookvale. While reports speculated about lucrative offers — including from the Canberra Raiders and others — Cherry-Evans opted to stick to a path defined by loyalty, continuity and family over simply chasing maximum gain.

Why did he do it?

1. Loyalty to the club and fans – Cherry-Evans has been a Sea Eagle since his NRL debut in 2011, guiding the club to a premiership in his rookie year. He has often spoken about his affection for the club. In his announcement he said: “I love this club and this group of players.”

2. A desire for clarity and focus – The announcement was made early in the season. Cherry-Evans told the media he wanted to free up the club and himself to move forward. “I thought the best thing I could do… was let everyone know where it is at.”

3. Self-respect and legacy – Rather than being financially driven, the decision appears rooted in how he wants his career to be remembered. He said he’s “at peace” with the decision.

The head coach left speechless

For Anthony Seibold, head coach of Manly, the decision came as a surprise despite being aware of discussions. He confirmed that the club had known about the possibility since December, but still described the moment as difficult. Seibold acknowledged the disruption but praised Cherry-Evans for how he handled it, saying Manly would not “rush” to replace him.

The implications

For Manly: Losing a one-club stalwart and game-manager in the halfback position leaves a substantial gap. Cherry-Evans has played more games at No. 7 for the club than anyone else. The search for his heir is already a talking point.

For fans and culture: This kind of decision resonates beyond contracts and salary caps. It speaks to identity, to a club’s DNA. Fans value players who stay, who build, who represent loyalty. Cherry-Evans’ decision risks backlash but also garners respect.

For the wider NRL: In an era often dominated by salary churn and club-hopping, a high-profile choice like this reminds us that not all moves are purely business. There are deeper motivations: legacy, culture, belonging.

“Choosing loyalty over gain” in action

While the public reports have not confirmed the full financial details, it is clear that Cherry-Evans was in a position to explore other options — yet he chose otherwise. The story reads like this: a club legend, deeply connected to his team, turns down a tempting “outside” offer (often from clubs like the Raiders or others seeking halves) because he values his relationship with Manly, his teammates, and his place in the club’s fabric.

What it means going forward

Cherry-Evans will enter his final season at Manly with a point to prove: wanting to go out on his own terms. Having stated that 2025 will be his last at Brookvale, he’s free of the negotiations distraction and can focus purely on the football.

For the Sea Eagles, this is a transition moment: they must begin planning for life after their veteran halfback. Identifying a successor, preserving the culture, and ensuring the change doesn’t derail their premiership window are pressing tasks.

For other players and clubs, this decision is a reminder: contracts matter, yes—money matters, yes—but so do the unseen values: commitment, loyalty, identity. Cherry-Evans has now set an example: one of choosing long-term meaning over short-term gain.

Final thoughts

In a world of sport where switching clubs for bigger deals is common, Cherry-Evans’ decision stands out. It’s not just an announcement—it’s a statement of values. He shows that loyalty isn’t just a sentimental buzz-word—it can be a career choice. As Manly fans, neutral observers and rugby league aficionados watch his final season in maroon and white, what they’ll remember isn’t just his passes, his kicks or his games—it will be the decision: to stay true, to honour, and to leave on his own terms.