DCE ‘NO’ TO NEW CLUB MOVE
DALY Cherry-evans has ruled out returning to Queensland to lead Brisbane‘s proposed new expansion club as the Maroons and Manly skipper outlined his dream to engineer another Sea Eagles premiership.
Cherry-evans backed the NRL‘S plans for a 17-team competition and as Queensland captain, ’DCE’ would be a prime target to spearhead a new Brisbane club to coexist with the Broncos and finish his career on home soil.
But in the lead-up to Manly‘s opening finals clash against Melbourne this Friday at Sunshine Coast Stadium, Cherry-evans is determined to be a Sea Eagle for life.
The 32-year-old is offcontract at the end of 2023 and while he sees merit in a fourth Queensland team by 2024, Cherry-evans says his heart is with a Manly club chasing its first premiership since 2011.
“A lot would have to change for me to leave Manly,” he said.
“I still have two more years left on my Manly deal, so I wouldn’t be off-contract until 2024. A lot would have to change for me to end up in Queensland.
“I’ve always supported the idea of another Brisbane team in the NRL, but to be honest I don’t think there is much chance I would be involved in a new Queensland team.
“I would support the idea of it, however ... another Brisbane team would be fantastic for the area.”
Cherry-evans has not ruled out signing one more deal with Manly.