Daly Cherry-Evans

Daly Cherry-Evans has exceeded all expectations since making his NRL debut in 2011.

He starred in the under 20s and the Queensland Cup, before he was called into first grade by Manly Warringah coach, Des Hasler.

By the end of 2011, he had won a premiership and represented his country.

Cherry-Evans played junior league with Mackay Brothers and Redcliffe, before he was signed by Manly, in 2008.

Daly's father, Troy Evans was a prominent footballer in Queensland, playing with Redcliffe and Norths, and representing Brisbane. Daly's uncle is Steve Cherry, who also represented Brisbane from the Redcliffe club.

Cherry-Evans played 46 games in the NRL National Youth Competition for Manly, scoring a whopping 246 points, including 24 tries. In 2010, he forged a name for himself with the Sunshine Coast Falcons (formerly known as the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles) in the Intrust Super Cup, and was named the competition's Player of the Year.

He’s a great player and a great leader as well.

Kevin Walters FOG #63

The following year, Cherry-Evans was elevated to Manly's starting side and played a starring role at halfback, as the Sea Eagles won the minor premiership, and then beat New Zealand Warriors 24-10 in the grand final, with Cherry-Evans scoring a pivotal try on the stroke of halftime.

He played every minute of every game in 2011. Cherry-Evans was chosen for Australia's Four Nations tour to Britain, and made his Test debut against Wales in Wrexham. He also was named Rugby League International Federation Halfback of the Year at a function in London.

It was one of the great 'break-out' seasons of all time, and it came as no surprise when he was named Dally M Rookie of the Year. Cherry-Evans made his State of Origin debut for Queensland as an interchange player in Game II of the 2013 series, and remained in the squad for the decider, which Queensland won 12-10.

He was Clive Churchill Medal winner in a beaten Manly side in the 2013 NRL grand final, with the Roosters winning 26-18.

In 2014, Cherry-Evans played all three Origin matches, making his starting debut in Game II, and being named Dally M Halfback of the Year.

He also started in Game II of the 2015 Origin series, but then there was a gap of three years before he wore the Maroon again, this time in Game III of the 2018 series, a match which doubled as the farewell to Billy Slater, at Origin level.

Queensland won 18-12, with Cherry-Evans scoring a try. On the May 27, 2019, Cherry-Evans was named Queensland skipper, becoming the 15th player to captain the Maroons, joining an illustrious group which began with Arthur Beetson in 1980.

Queensland lost the 2019 series, but Cherry-Evans led the Maroons to a famous series win under the coaching of Wayne Bennett, in 2020. Cherry-Evans retained the captaincy for the 2021 series.

He has played 15 Tests for Australia, his last appearance the Test against Tonga in 2019, the last international played by Australia, before COVID changed the football landscape.

Going into the 2022 NRL season, Cherry-Evans had played 261 NRL games for Manly.

His kicking game is second to none, and his steady control of a game of football is an example for all aspiring halfbacks.

Cherry-Evans won the Roy Bull Award as Manly's Best and Fairest Player in 2017 and 2020.