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Cherry-Evans Dismisses ‘Smear Campaign’ Amidst Manly Victory
Daly Cherry-Evans, the Manly Sea Eagles halfback, has asserted that he was the target of a negative and underhanded ‘smear campaign’, yet expressed that supporters demonstrated their discernment during Manly’s 26-12 triumph over Parramatta in the NRL. The Sea Eagles’ victory, propelling them to second place on the National Rugby League ladder, occurred shortly after Cherry-Evans announced his departure from Manly at the end of the season, adding further intrigue to the unfolding drama.
Manly Sea Eagles Secure Win, But Trbojevic Injury Casts Shadow
Just six days following his announcement of an impending Manly exit, Cherry-Evans guided the Sea Eagles to a strong position on the NRL ladder on Sunday, marking their third victory in four matches. The triumph, however, was marred by a significant setback, as Tom Trbojevic sustained a suspected medial ligament tear in his left knee. This injury is anticipated to sideline the key player for approximately five weeks, posing a challenge for Manly’s campaign.
Trbojevic Injury Concerns
Trbojevic, who had previously missed the preceding week’s win against Canberra due to hamstring tightness, visibly struggled for 15 minutes on his injured knee during the Parramatta game. He ultimately did not return to the field after halftime. While scans are scheduled for Monday to ascertain the full extent of the injury, the focus at Manly, unusually, was not solely on Trbojevic’s misfortune but also on Cherry-Evans’ situation.
Public Support for Cherry-Evans Despite Contract Fallout
Following a highly publicized reaction to his decision to make his 15th season with Manly his last, Cherry-Evans experienced a notable shift in public sentiment. Contrary to being booed, the Manly captain received the loudest cheer of any player at Brookvale Oval on Sunday. This enthusiastic reception suggests a strong level of fan support amidst the swirling controversy surrounding his contract negotiations.
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Daly Cherry-Evans claims he was the victim of a ‘smear campaign’.
Cherry-Evans indicates awareness of the source of the ‘smear campaign’.
Cherry-Evans Alleges ‘Smear Campaign’ After Contract Uproar
Speaking to the Nine Network post-match, Cherry-Evans openly stated that a ‘smear campaign’ had been directed against him. At the subsequent press conference, he elaborated, stating, “I know who it’s coming from, and it’s not appropriate to discuss it publicly.” He acknowledged the significant discussions that followed the announcement on Monday night. Cherry-Evans expressed his belief that the situation could have been resolved swiftly earlier in the week, but this was not the case. He implied that conversations were ongoing outside the direct interactions between himself and the club, creating what he perceived as a “nasty and a bit ugly” situation.
Contract Details and Release Request Surface
In the days following Cherry-Evans’ announcement, details emerged regarding his rejection of a two-year offer from Manly, valued at $1.4 million. Furthermore, it was revealed that he had previously requested a release from his contract at the end of 2023. Information regarding Manly’s discussions with the veteran halfback at the conclusion of the previous year also came to light, adding complexity to the ongoing narrative.
The Manly captain received significant applause at Brookvale on Sunday.
Fan Support Boosts Cherry-Evans Amidst Uncertainty
Cherry-Evans admitted to feeling affected by the negative repercussions stemming from his decision, particularly given his lengthy tenure with the club. While he indicated that a decision regarding his playing future beyond this year was not imminent, the events on Sunday seemingly demonstrated his public relations victory. The Manly skipper received the loudest applause from the crowd prior to the game, and he played a pivotal role in the match, contributing to the opening try and forcing two goal-line dropouts. Following the win, the 36-year-old interacted with fans during a celebratory lap of the ground, while a banner with the message ‘Daly Stay’ was prominently displayed.
Emotional Response to Fan Support
“There is a human aspect,” Cherry-Evans commented, “emotions and feelings do get hurt.” He confessed to feeling nervous about the fan reception, stating, “Honestly, I was really emotional today when I heard the hill supporting me.” He admitted to concerns that the media narrative might have negatively influenced fan sentiment, “but I reckon they saw right through it and made me so proud.”
Parramatta Eels Struggle in Defeat
Parramatta’s defeat on Sunday resulted in their winless status continuing. The Eels were culpable of wasting scoring opportunities late in the first half and only managed to score when trailing significantly. Their defensive performance on the edges early in the game was weak, they conceded numerous penalties in the initial 20 minutes, and ultimately played themselves out of contention.
Eels Coach Acknowledges Pressure
“Our fight and our effort were there, but we just put ourselves under too much pressure,” Eels coach Jason Ryles conceded. “We’re alright for periods, but we can’t do it for long enough.”
Manly’s Performance Secures Ladder Position
Manly, in contrast, executed their game plan effectively to maintain their second-place standing on the NRL ladder. Trbojevic, before his injury, assisted Lehi Hopoate in scoring Manly’s second try. Hopoate later transitioned to fullback and provided the pass for Tolu Koula’s second-half try. Corey Waddell also contributed with a try, set up by Luke Brooks, solidifying Manly’s victory on a day filled with drama at Brookvale Oval.