Cherry-Evans Voices Sympathy for Former Club Manly Amid Fan Unrest
Daly Cherry-Evans has openly admitted that he felt genuine empathy for his old club, the Manly Sea Eagles, after witnessing fans boo the team and demand the axing of coach Anthony Seibold. This outcry followed Manly's third-straight home loss, a disappointing start to their season that has left supporters frustrated and vocal.
Emotional Return to Brookvale as an Opponent
Playing at Brookvale Oval as an opponent for the very first time in his career, Cherry-Evans battled his own nerves to deliver a key performance in the Sydney Roosters' decisive 33-16 victory. The Thursday night match was always poised to stir deep emotions, given Cherry-Evans' high-profile and drawn-out exit from Manly last year, after amassing an impressive 352 games for the Sea Eagles.
Throughout the game, Cherry-Evans was booed with nearly every touch of the ball, though the jeers often felt premeditated and were occasionally followed by laughter from the main grandstand. In stark contrast, the frustrations directed at Manly's ongoing struggles carried far more conviction, reflecting a 12-month spiral that began when Cherry-Evans announced his departure from the club.
Fan Discontent Reaches a Boiling Point
The discontent among Manly supporters became unmistakably clear as the match progressed. A loud chant of "Seibold out" erupted late in the game, while Luke Brooks faced bronx cheers for simply catching kick-offs. A resounding chorus of boos rang out at fulltime, underscoring the growing dissatisfaction with the team's performance.
Manly's current predicament is historically bleak; they have lost their first three home games for the first time since 2004, with their only points in the 2026 season so far coming from a bye. This dismal record has only intensified the pressure on coach Anthony Seibold and the entire squad.
Cherry-Evans' Mixed Emotions and Loyalties
When questioned about the chants calling for Seibold's dismissal, Cherry-Evans expressed his conflicted feelings. "I was here for a long time so I don't feel great about seeing them without a win yet," he admitted. "There's too many people here I've got too much of a friendship with to see sad or down or getting booed. I don't love that."
Despite his empathy, Cherry-Evans emphasized his new allegiance, stating, "For as much as I can sit there and show empathy, the reality is I'm a Rooster now and that's where my focus is. So while I don't feel great about where they're at, I really do have to stay in my lane when it comes to that."
Enduring Ties to Manly and Future Uncertainties
Cherry-Evans' deep connection to Manly remains evident, as he holds the record as the club's most-capped player. He continues to reside in the area, and nearly two hours after the final whistle on Thursday night, he was seen sitting in the old Manly dugout, waiting for a lift home arranged with a former teammate.
Whether this match marks his last appearance at Brookvale Oval is still unknown, and the possibility of a future return in a coaching capacity remains an open question. To prepare for the emotionally charged occasion, Cherry-Evans sought advice from several players, including firebrand Spencer Leniu, who had experienced a similar return to Penrith.
Reflecting on the surreal experience, Cherry-Evans noted, "It was obviously a really bizarre experience. It felt like (the crowd booed) because that's what you have to do. There was honestly nothing but love from my end. Even after tonight I didn't feel any hostility ... I really did feel like it was in jest."
Manly's Path Forward and Coaching Pressure
For Manly, clarity and potential turnaround could emerge in the coming weeks. Their upcoming fixtures include matches against the Dolphins, St George Illawarra, and North Queensland, with coach Anthony Seibold urgently needing victories to alleviate the mounting pressure.
Seibold recently pointed out that he is only three games into a two-year contract extension signed in 2024, but the spotlight on his performance is intensifying rapidly. When asked about the fan reactions, Seibold responded, "I didn't hear the fans, but what do you want me to do? I turn up, work hard for the group."
In a further blow to Manly's prospects, winger Jason Saab is set to miss next week's clash with the Dolphins after receiving a one-game ban for a high shot on Hugo Savala. This absence adds another layer of challenge as the Sea Eagles strive to reverse their fortunes and silence their critics.
