Daly Cherry-Evans to Join 300 Club: A Tribute to the Manly Legend

How the Sea Eagles Captain Became One of the Greatest Halfbacks in NRL History

Daly Cherry-Evans is set to make history tonight when he plays his 300th NRL game for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles against the St George Illawarra Dragons. The 34-year-old halfback will become the first player ever to start in the same position for 300 games, and the 19th player to reach the milestone with one club. In this article, we will look back at his remarkable career and achievements, and pay tribute to one of the most influential and respected players in the game.

From Redcliffe to Manly: The Rise of Cherry-Evans

Daly Cherry-Evans was born in Redcliffe, Queensland, on 20 February 1989. He grew up playing rugby league for the Redcliffe Dolphins, before moving to Mackay with his family at the age of 12. He continued to play junior rugby league for various clubs in Mackay, and attended St Patrick’s College. He was named after British Olympic champion Daley Thompson, who was his mother’s favourite athlete.

In 2008, Cherry-Evans was invited by Dennis Moore to trial with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, and signed a contract to play for their under-20s National Youth Competition team. He played 46 games for the team over two seasons, scoring 24 tries and 246 points. He was named on the interchange bench of the 2009 Toyota Cup team of the year.

In 2010, Cherry-Evans was sent to play for Manly’s Queensland Cup feeder club, the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles, where he won the Courier Mail Medal for the best and fairest player in the competition. He also made his NRL debut that year, coming off the bench in round 11 against the Brisbane Broncos.

A Premiership Winner and a Clive Churchill Medallist: The Glory Years of Cherry-Evans

In 2011, Cherry-Evans became Manly’s first-choice halfback, forming a lethal combination with five-eighth Kieran Foran. He played a key role in Manly’s premiership-winning season, scoring 13 tries and setting up many more. He also won the Dally M Rookie of the Year award and was selected to play for Australia in the Four Nations tournament.

In 2013, Cherry-Evans reached another peak in his career, winning the Clive Churchill Medal for the best player in the grand final, despite Manly losing to the Sydney Roosters. He also made his State of Origin debut for Queensland that year, replacing an injured Cooper Cronk in game two.

In 2015, Cherry-Evans signed a lucrative eight-year contract extension with Manly, making him one of the highest-paid players in the NRL. He also became Manly’s captain in 2017, following the retirement of Jamie Lyon.

A Leader and a Legend: The Legacy of Cherry-Evans

Cherry-Evans has been a consistent performer and a leader for Manly over his 300 games. He has scored 83 tries and kicked 158 goals and 26 field goals, for a total of 674 points. He holds several club records, including most games as halfback (299), most field goals (26), most points in a season (222 in 2011), and most points in a game (28 against Parramatta in 2011).

He has also been a loyal servant and a successful captain for Queensland and Australia. He has played 22 Origin games for Queensland, winning three series (2020, 2022 and 2023) as captain. He has also played 18 Tests for Australia, scoring five tries and three goals.

Cherry-Evans is widely regarded as one of the best halfbacks of his generation, and one of the greatest players to wear the maroon and white jersey of Manly. He is admired by his teammates, coaches, fans and opponents for his skill, vision, creativity, competitiveness and professionalism. He is a true legend of rugby league.

FAQs

• Q: When and where was Daly Cherry-Evans born?

• A: Daly Cherry-Evans was born on 20 February 1989 in Redcliffe, Queensland.

• Q: What position does Daly Cherry-Evans play?

• A: Daly Cherry-Evans plays as a halfback.

• Q: Which club does Daly Cherry-Evans play for?

• A: Daly Cherry-Evans plays for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in the NRL.

• Q: How many NRL games has Daly Cherry-Evans played?

• A: Daly Cherry-Evans has played 299 NRL games as of round 20 of the 2023 season. He will play his 300th game tonight against the St George Illawarra Dragons.

• Q: What are some of Daly Cherry-Evans’ achievements and awards?

• A: Some of Daly Cherry-Evans’ achievements and awards include:

  • Winning the 2011 NRL premiership with Manly
  • Winning the 2013 Clive Churchill Medal for the best player in the grand final
  • Winning the 2011 Dally M Rookie of the Year award
  • Winning three State of Origin series with Queensland as captain (2020, 2022 and 2023)
  • Playing 18 Tests for Australia
  • Holding several club records for Manly

Conclusion

Daly Cherry-Evans is one of the most accomplished and respected players in the NRL. He has played 300 games for Manly, becoming the first player to start in the same position for 300 games, and the 19th player to reach the milestone with one club. He has also been a leader and a winner for Queensland and Australia, captaining both teams to success. He is a legend of rugby league and a role model for aspiring players. We congratulate him on his remarkable career and wish him all the best for his future.