Ahead of a highly anticipated NRL clash, Manly Sea Eagles star Tom Trbojevic has publicly refuted rumors of a personal fallout with former teammate Daly Cherry-Evans, who is set to return to 4 Pines Park for the first time wearing a Sydney Roosters jersey. The Thursday night match pits two struggling teams against each other, yet the primary narrative revolves around the homecoming of the club’s most-capped player.
Cherry-Evans’ departure from Manly after 15 decorated seasons was a bombshell that initially sparked fan frustration, though much of the ire was directed at club management rather than the champion halfback. Now, the central question is how the famed ‘Brookvale hill’ will receive him as an opponent.
Trbojevic, who succeeded Cherry-Evans as captain, expressed his hope that the Sea Eagles faithful would respond with cheers, not boos, in recognition of the veteran’s immense contribution to the club. “I think they should be cheering (given) what he’s done for this club,” Trbojevic stated. “He’s played 350-odd games for us and he’s been one of our all-time greats.” While acknowledging that some fans might jeer, Trbojevic emphasized he would not dictate their reaction, instead appealing to the community’s sense of respect for a club legend.
Furthermore, Trbojevic directly addressed and dismissed lingering speculation from last year that suggested a fractured relationship between himself, his brother Jake, and Cherry-Evans. Labeling the claims as shocking and baseless, he affirmed, “We’re good mates, I’ve got a great relationship with Chez… there’s never any issue there.” He clarified that while pre-game formalities would be set aside in the heat of competition, he looks forward to catching up post-match.
The article underscores a ‘new era’ for Manly, with Jamal Fogarty now steering the ship at halfback, yet this week is inevitably dominated by the past as a club icon prepares for an emotional return.