In a narrative-rich return to Brookvale Oval, Daly Cherry-Evans navigated a storm of mixed emotions and vocal fan reactions during his first appearance as an opposition player at his former home ground. The veteran playmaker, who departed the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles after 15 illustrious seasons and 352 games for a surprise move to the Sydney Roosters, led his new team to a commanding 33-16 victory on Thursday night.
The match was overshadowed by pre-game meteorological and metaphorical storms, with biblical rainfall preceding Cherry-Evans’ emotionally charged return. While Sea Eagles supporters greeted his every touch with boos during warm-ups and gameplay, the Queensland State of Origin captain remained unfazed, demonstrating professional composure throughout the contest.
Post-match reflections revealed Cherry-Evans’ complex emotional landscape. ‘I was here for a long time so I don’t feel great about seeing them without a win yet,’ he confessed, expressing empathy for his former club’s winless start to the season. ‘There are too many people here that I’ve got too much friendship with to see sad or down or getting booed. I don’t love that.’
The evening took a more concerning turn when frustrated Manly faithful redirected their discontent toward head coach Anthony Seibold, chanting ‘Seibold out’ as the team slumped to their third consecutive home defeat. This treatment of his former mentor appeared to bother Cherry-Evans more than the personal jeers he endured throughout the evening.
The 35-year-old described the experience as ‘bizarre’ and unprecedented, revealing he sought counsel from teammate Spencer Leniu, who had undergone similar transitional experiences after leaving Penrith. Cherry-Evans emphasized the crucial support from Roosters teammates and family members that helped stabilize his nerves during the emotionally charged encounter.
In a gesture demonstrating his enduring connection to the community, Cherry-Evans gifted his training top to a young fan and signed a unique split jersey—half Roosters, half Sea Eagles—symbolizing his divided loyalties and respect for both institutions.
Manly captain Tom Trbojevic addressed the crowd’s reaction philosophically: ‘You understand it. He’s gone to a different club so they’re entitled to do what they want. I was a little bit surprised, but if they want to boo him, then they can boo him.’