Manly superstar Tom Trbojevic has spoken openly, and warmly, about Daly Cherry-Evans as the pair prepare to run out at Brookvale for the final time as Sea Eagles teammates.
Asked about the impact within the playing group of constant noise and speculation surrounding Cherry-Evans’ future, Trbojevic refused to accept it had anything to do with Manly’s inconsistent performances this season.
“That’s just an excuse that people use,” the 28-year-old said on the Unscripted podcast with Josh Mansour.
“Obviously we haven’t played well enough—and people look for excuses as to why that is.”
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While acknowledging the Sea Eagles players are well aware of the media fascination with DCE—a situation that has seen them and coach Anthony Seibold bombarded with questions about their captain’s future throughout 2025—Trbojevic was adamant it hasn’t been a distraction.
“It has created a lot of media noise, but speaking with everyone, I know it’s not a distraction at all,” Trbojevic explained.
“We’re here to play footy and win games, and unfortunately we haven’t been able to do that enough this year, that’s why there’s been that noise about Chez.”
Trbojevic was also at pains to stress the Northern Beaches squad still universally loves their history-making captain, despite his imminent departure.
“Everyone loves him at the club, to play 350 games is a special achievement, and he’s also the most capped Manly player ever,” Trbojevic reflected.
“He’s just doing what’s best for him and that’s fine, we respect that.”
Manly hosts the New Zealand Warriors on Friday night in Round 27, needing the heaviest of victories to have any chance of scraping into the NRL top eight.