This weekend marks the end of an era for the Manly Sea Eagles as club legend Daly Cherry-Evans will play his last game for the organisation.
Cherry-Evans’ departure at the end of the season was first announced in March, sending shockwaves through the rugby league community.
All attention will be on Cherry-Evans’ send-off, with injured teammate Reuben Garrick confident it will be a memorable one.
“He will go out on a good note for sure,” Garrick told Nine’s Freddy and The Eighth.
MORE: Super League bound forward to miss the start of next season after monster Manly ban
“His last couple of weeks have been first-class and I hope we can get the win for him.
I don’t know where he’s going, but I hope that everyone shows up for him this weekend and I’m sure we will get a massive crowd.”
While Cherry-Evans’ farewell will dominate headlines, Friday night also brings a glimpse of Manly’s future.
Nineteen-year-old Walsh has been named on the bench and is set to line up alongside the veteran halfback, giving fans a first look at the young talent many believe is destined to fill Cherry-Evans’ shoes.
NSW Blues legend Brad Fittler has already praised Walsh as a “gun” after seeing him develop through the junior ranks, while Garrick was equally impressed by the teenager’s competitive streak.
MORE: NRL finals format 2025: How does rugby league postseason work?
“I’ve been loving watching him at training,” Garrick said.
“I guess when there’s a lot of hype around a player and you see them come into the first grade squad, training is the first look you get.
“He’s got a bit of mongrel in him and he takes the line on. He’s an absolute competitor.
“There were a couple of wrestle sessions where you try and see where they’re at and even when you get him on his back, he is fighting like all buggery to get out of it.
I love watching him at training, so I’m keen to see him this weekend and I think he’ll have a good career.”
Walsh has impressed in NSW Cup this season, scoring five tries, setting up 15 more, and forcing eight dropouts in 14 games. He’s also averaging just under 100 run metres per match, further building anticipation for his top-grade debut.