Coach says DCE has his full support

Manly coach Trent Barrett has hit back at suggestions Daly Cherry-Evans is unfit to captain the Sea Eagles.

It was a case of another week, another drama for the silvertails as DCE became the subject of an expletive-laden tirade from former teammate Anthony Watmough on a podcast.

Watmough lifted the lid on what was a long-running split among the Manly playing group, slamming Cherry-Evans’ behaviour and accusing him of holding the club to ransom over contract demands.

It was yet another knock to Cherry-Evans’ reputation, who has often been painted as difficult to deal with. Some have pointed to rumours he has been blacklisted by the Queensland State of Origin team and his decision to back out of a contract with the Gold Coast as proof he is a distracting presence.

It led to questions about whether he was the right man to lead the club and whether the captaincy should be handed over to Jake Trbojevic.

However, Barrett described Cherry-Evans as well liked among the Sea Eagles playing group and pointing to his gamewinning ability as proof of his leadership capabilities.

“We gave him the captaincy for a reason,” Barrett said.

“With Chez, what people don’t see is what he does here ... there’s probably no other player in this side that works as hard as him ... he’s got our full support.”

Barrett was reluctant to comment on Watmough’s blast but said it was simply a case of two players who didn’t get on.

He said the best reply was to come out and beat St George Illawarra tonight.