Cherry-Evans to stay at Manly

DALY Cherry-Evans says Manly’s year from hell will not drive him out of Brookvale, scuppering the prospect of returning to Queensland to finish his career at the Broncos.

Cherry-Evans today returns to Suncorp Stadium – the scene of his superb display for Queensland in Origin III – to face Brisbane in a final-round clash that will determine whether the Broncos snare a home semi-final.

But while Cherry-Evans has fond memories of Suncorp, the Sea Eagles skipper insists the famous ground will not become his permanent home.

It was rumoured CherryEvans could walk out on Manly and join Brisbane in protest at coach Trent Barrett’s treatment, but the Maroons maestro says he will honour his “lifetime” deal.

Cherry-Evans has signed an eight-year extension with Manly worth $10 million, keeping him at the club until the end of 2023.

“I’m staying at Manly,” he said ahead of today’s finalround showdown with the Broncos club that snubbed him as a teenager.

“I have created my own family and I’d love nothing more than to bring up my kids on the northern beaches (of Sydney).

“They understand their dad is a proud Queenslander but the lifestyle of Manly has captured me and I love living in Sydney.

“Look, it’s the NRL and I’m not naive enough to think that one day I won’t get tapped on the shoulder, but personally I have no interest in going anywhere else.”

Cherry-Evans spoke of his disappointment at the off-field political drama surrounding Barrett, who is rumoured to have quit – meaning today’s clash could be his final game in charge of Manly.

“Whatever Trent decides is up to him, but I’d love for him to stay,” Cherry-Evans said yesterday.