**No Explanation: The DCE Refusal That ‘Upset’ Teammates as Manly’s Big ‘Problem’ Emerges**
The Manly Sea Eagles are grappling with internal unrest following captain Daly Cherry-Evans’ (DCE) unexpected rejection of a contract extension, a move that has reportedly unsettled teammates and spotlighted deeper issues within the club.
In a surprising turn of events, the 36-year-old skipper announced he would depart the Sea Eagles at the end of the 2025 season, concluding a distinguished tenure exceeding a decade. This revelation came during a live interview on Channel 9’s *100% Footy*, where Cherry-Evans disclosed that Manly had not offered him an extension beyond 2025. Subsequently, during the broadcast, the club extended a two-year contract offer, which Cherry-Evans declined, citing contentment with his decision to move on. This public refusal has reportedly left teammates feeling “upset,” as they were caught off guard by both the announcement and the manner in which it unfolded.
The situation has illuminated underlying tensions within the Sea Eagles’ ranks. Reports suggest a strained relationship between Cherry-Evans and head coach Anthony Seibold may have influenced the captain’s decision. Despite public assertions of no animosity, insiders indicate that months of stalled negotiations and strategic delays in offering a formal contract extension contributed to the discord. The club’s management had reportedly adopted a strategy of waiting for competing club offers, which backfired when Cherry-Evans chose to publicly decline their belated proposal.
This incident is not the first time Cherry-Evans has been at the center of internal controversies. In 2018, former teammate Anthony Watmough criticized Cherry-Evans for alleged selfish behavior, accusing him of prioritizing personal financial gain over team unity. Watmough claimed that Cherry-Evans threatened to boycott training sessions unless his contract was upgraded, actions that reportedly caused significant rifts within the team.
Further exacerbating the current situation, a handwritten note has surfaced detailing the chaotic series of events leading up to Cherry-Evans’ live rejection of the contract offer. This note has become emblematic of the broader turmoil within the club, symbolizing the miscommunication and mismanagement that have plagued recent negotiations.
The fallout from Cherry-Evans’ decision has prompted introspection within the Sea Eagles’ organization. Club officials are now tasked with managing the repercussions of losing a player of Cherry-Evans’ caliber and leadership. The search for a suitable replacement is underway, with several potential candidates being considered to fill the impending void at halfback.
As the Sea Eagles navigate this period of transition, the focus remains on maintaining team cohesion and addressing the internal issues that have been brought to light. The departure of a long-serving captain inevitably marks the end of an era, but it also presents an opportunity for renewal and growth within the club.
The coming months will be pivotal for Manly as they strive to restore stability and chart a course for future success in the NRL.
