Phil Gould has provided a “brutally honest” evaluation of the Daly Cherry-Evans situation, highlighting that there were “rumblings” from Manly towards the end of the previous season.
The rugby league community was stunned this week when the 36-year-old Sea Eagles captain announced his decision to leave the club.
After spending 15 years in maroon and white, Cherry-Evans now faces the prospect of either retiring from rugby league or pursuing opportunities elsewhere in 2026.
Although Nine’s Danny Weidler’s report on Monday night seemed to come as a shock, signs may have hinted at this development before.
During an episode of Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles With Gus, Gould elaborated on the matter when asked why he wasn’t surprised by the news.
Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic. Getty
“Was it shocking? Not really, to be completely honest, as there were murmurs about this towards the end of last season,” he commented.
“There were also mild discussions in the media regarding a potential switch for Turbo [Tom Trbojevic] to five-eighth, with [Lehi] Hopoate being seen as the future at fullback.”
“There were murmurs suggesting Cherry-Evans could be offered up for 2025, which we all dismissed as mere gossip without paying much attention.”
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“There was indeed some indication of a potential position change for Tom Trbojevic and the possibility of Daly Cherry-Evans moving on. Whether he picked up on that or if it was accurate – I can’t say – but in hindsight, there may have been some truth to these whispers.
“This conversation may not have sat well with his manager or with Daly himself.”
Manly’s CEO Tony Mestrov hinted at the possible switch for Trbojevic during his press conference on Tuesday, also mentioning Joey Walsh as a future halfback prospect.
Joey Walsh is among Manly’s most promising young talents. Manly Sea Eagles
Gould noted that what he found “strange” was the hurried reactions from Sea Eagles officials, who appeared to be scrambling to extend a two-year contract to their skipper while live on NRL 360.
“Manly’s response this week seemed somewhat panicked,” he remarked.
“This is the confusing aspect, and it ties back to the whispers we heard before Christmas. I received a call regarding Daly Cherry-Evans late last season that I dismissed without considering it; it simply faded into the background. With hindsight, I should’ve paid more attention to it.
“It’s clear they have since entered damage control mode.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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