Daly Cherry-Evans' return to Manly-Warringah as a Rooster player amid the club's early-season struggles
Consensus Summary
Daly Cherry-Evans made his highly anticipated return to Brookvale Oval as a Rooster player, facing his former club Manly-Warringah in their opening game of the 2026 season. The match was emotionally charged, with Cherry-Evans, a 37-year-old legend who played 352 games for Manly over 15 years, greeted with boos from fans during warm-ups and on-field runs. Despite the hostile atmosphere, Cherry-Evans played a controlled game for the Roosters, avoiding major mistakes and contributing to their 33-16 victory. The win marked the third consecutive loss for Manly at home, deepening their early-season struggles and sparking fan frustration directed at coach Anthony Seibold, who faced chants demanding his departure. Cherry-Evansâ departure from Manly has left the club in turmoil, with fans and players like Jake Trbojevic under scrutiny for their poor performance. The game highlighted Manlyâs forward pack issues, particularly their inability to break through the Roostersâ defense despite scoring long-range tries. Cherry-Evans left the field alone after full-time, reflecting on his departure with no bitterness, while Manly faces an uncertain future with potential roster changes looming as the season progresses.
â Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Daly Cherry-Evans played his first game for the Roosters against Manly-Warringah at Brookvale Oval on 2026 season opener
- Manly-Warringah started the 2026 season with a 0-3 record, all losses at Brookvale Oval
- Cherry-Evans made 352 appearances for Manly-Warringah over 15 years before leaving for the Roosters
- Cherry-Evans was booed by Manly fans during warm-ups, team introductions, and on-field runs
- Manly's forward pack struggled early in the match, with Jake Trbojevic recording just 8 runs (70 metres) across three games
- Cherry-Evans played a controlled, disciplined game for the Roosters, avoiding major errors despite pressure
- The match ended with the Roosters winning 33-16
- Manly fans chanted 'Seibold out' with 10 minutes remaining in the game
- Cherry-Evans left Brookvale Oval alone after full-time, sitting behind the Manly bench in silence
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Cherry-Evans was described as playing 'his part amid heavy treatment from the Manly crowd' with a 'pantomime quality' to much of the booing
- The crowd's frustration turned inward with 'Seibold out' chants starting with 10 minutes remaining, not just at the end
- Cherry-Evans' combination with Siua Wong was specifically highlighted as 'one to watch in the weeks to come'
- The article mentions 'a couple of missed tackles under heavy pressure from Manly' but notes it 'never turned on him'
- The phrase 'the blood between Cherry-Evans and Manly doesn't have to be bad for it to mean something' is used
- The article notes Cherry-Evans' 'combination with the impressive Siua Wong will be one to watch in the weeks to come'
- The article describes the crowd's booing as devolving to laughter, with the chant 'Cherry's a wanker' ringing out
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- No contradictions found between the two sources
Source Articles
Cherry-Evans's return to Brookvale a reminder of Manly's past amid an uncertain future
With Manly's season teetering on the edge, the Sea Eagles faithful welcomed former skipper Daly Cherry-Evans to Brookvale Oval in enemy colours for the first time. But it was the prodigal son who won ...
DCE's return to Brookvale was a reminder of Manlyâs past amid an uncertain future
As Manly's season teeters on the edge, the Sea Eagles faithful welcomed former skipper Daly Cherry-Evans to Brookvale Oval in enemy colours for the first time but it was the prodigal son who won the d...