Daly Cherry-Evans to remain at Manly after reneging on Titans deal
PHIL ROTHFIELD —
EXCLUSIVE THE DAILY TELEGRAPH JUNE 03, 2015 10:36AM
DALY Cherry-Evans has reneged on the Gold Coast Titans to sign a $10 million contract with the Manly Sea Eagles — by far the most lucrative deal in the game’s history.
The 26-year-old has agreed to a minimum six years in a similar open-ended contract to what AFL superstar Buddy Franklin signed with the Sydney Swans two years ago.
“Daly Cherry-Evans will be at Manly for the rest of his career,” said a Manly source.
The deal is worth more than a $1 million a season which would be worth more than $10 million if he plays on till the age of other great halfbacks like Johnathan Thurston.
The Daily Telegraph understands Cherry-Evans himself broke the news to a shattered Titans coach Neil Henry at 10am.
Cherry-Evans decision to remain with the Sea Eagles draws to a close one of the of the most protracted contract sagas in NRL history.
The Queensland Origin representative was engaged in high profile negotiations with Cronulla and the Titans before agreeing to a four-year deal with the Gold Coast on March 6th.
Cherry-Evans refused to categorically deny the near constant rumours of a potential backflip.
During an interview with Fox Sports in late May, Cherry-Evans said “I guess it would be a curious situation to see what does eventuate if (Manly) do offer something.
“There is still two weeks left, so two more weeks of speculation.
“There is a rule in place which gives Manly every opportunity to do what they have to retain me.”
“With the decision, I have nothing to change at the moment,” he said.
“I’m happy with my decision to go to the Gold Coast, and as we know there is a rule in place which allows Manly to have a go at retaining me.”
The halfback’s decision to turn his back on the Gold Coast is the latest example of the controversial “Round 13” rule, which prevents any player registering a contract with a new club until the midpoint of the season.