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Daly Cherry-Evans has expressed sympathy for his former club Manly Sea Eagles following their difficult start to the 2026 NRL season, which continued with a heavy 33–16 home defeat to the Sydney Roosters.
Returning to Brookvale Oval as an opponent for the first time since his high-profile departure last year, Cherry-Evans overcame early nerves to deliver a strong performance for the Roosters. However, the occasion was marked by mixed emotions, as he was repeatedly booed by sections of the home crowd.
Despite the hostile reception, the veteran playmaker insisted he still holds deep affection for Manly, where he spent 15 years and became the club’s most-capped player.
“I was here for a long time, so I don’t feel great seeing them without a win,” Cherry-Evans admitted. “There are too many people here I care about to see them struggling or getting booed. I don’t love that.”
Fan frustration was clearly directed not only at the former captain but also at the team’s current situation. Loud chants calling for coach Anthony Seibold’s dismissal echoed around the stadium, while players such as Luke Brooks were met with sarcastic cheers. The discontent peaked at full-time, with a chorus of boos following Manly’s third consecutive home loss.
The Sea Eagles are now enduring their worst home start to a season since 2004, having failed to register a win, with their only points so far coming from a bye round.
While Cherry-Evans acknowledged the club’s difficulties, he emphasized his commitment to his new team.
“I can show empathy, but I’m a Rooster now, and that’s where my focus has to be,” he said.
His connection to Manly remains evident. Following the match, he stayed at the ground for nearly two hours and was later seen waiting in the familiar Manly dugout for a lift with a former teammate. He also revealed he had spoken with players ahead of the game about handling emotionally charged returns.
Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount on coach Anthony Seibold as results fail to improve. Although he recently signed a contract extension through 2026, the team’s poor form has intensified scrutiny.
“I didn’t hear the fans,” Seibold said when asked about the chants. “All I can do is turn up and work hard for the group.”
Manly’s challenges could worsen ahead of their next fixtures, with winger Jason Saab set to miss the upcoming clash against the Dolphins after receiving a one-match suspension.
With crucial games against the Dolphins, St George Illawarra, and North Queensland Cowboys approaching, the Sea Eagles face a defining period in their season as they look to reverse their alarming slump.
