Manly’s dramatic 27-26 victory over the New Zealand Warriors was more than just Daly Cherry-Evans’ farewell appearance; it also came with confirmation that nine members of the current squad won’t return in 2026.
The mass exodus, reported by AAP’s Scott Bailey, underlines a turbulent off-season ahead for the Northern Beaches club after what was ultimately a disappointing campaign.
The headline departure is Cherry-Evans himself. The veteran halfback had already announced 2025 would be his final season at Manly, though he has yet to sign the widely expected move to the Sydney Roosters.
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Injuries, overseas moves and shock exits
Forwards Toafofoa Sipley and Jazz Tevaga will head to England, joining Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity respectively, while Dean Matterson has secured a deal in France. Josh Aloiai is also set to bow out early, with a chronic shoulder injury limiting him to just five matches this year despite being contracted until 2027.
Gordon Chan Kum Tong, Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega and Michael Chee-Kam will also move on, while Tommy Talau’s departure comes as the biggest surprise. The centre, who featured in 10 games this season, had made no secret of his desire to remain. “Obviously, I’d love to stay,” he told the Daily Telegraph recently, but the club has decided otherwise.
Aaron Schoupp and Siosiua Taukeiaho were notable omissions from the list. Taukeiaho is understood to be in discussions over an extension, while Schoupp faces an anxious wait after scans were ordered on a knee injury that may prove to be an ACL tear.
With so many senior figures departing, Manly face a defining rebuild as they prepare to navigate a new era without their long-serving skipper.