Here’s what’s unfolding around Daly Cherry‑Evans, the Sea Eagles icon now at the center of heated controversy in the NRL:
1. **Captaincy & Form Under Pressure**
Following Manly’s dip in form—with three losses in four matches—rumours have surfaced that coach Anthony Seibold is considering stripping Cherry‑Evans of his captaincy. Fox Sports’ Anthony Hooper advocated instead for Jake Trbojevic to assume leadership, alleging Cherry‑Evans no longer unites the squad ([news.com.au][1]). Seibold, however, firmly dismissed any talks of removing him, reaffirming: “Chez is our leader” ([news.com.au][1]).
2. **State of Origin Fallout: Most Controversial NRL Talent?**
Cherry‑Evans was dropped from the Queensland Maroons for Game 2 after a disappointing Game 1 loss, signaling a likely end to his storied Origin career—or at least his captaincy role ([news.com.au][2]). Many view this as the latest blow to his representative status, with critics calling for a permanent replacement by Tom Dearden ([sportnation.nz][3]).
3. **“Smear Campaign” and Media Circus**
After announcing in March he’d leave Manly post-2025, Cherry‑Evans claimed he had been subject to a “nasty and ugly smear campaign” over leaks regarding his future ([abc.net.au][4]). He said the media-led story “got a bit ugly,” although he still feels backed by dedicated fans .
4. **Club Dynamics & Contract Fallout**
The Sea Eagles publicly tabled a two-year, \$1.4 million deal (on live TV, no less), which DCE promptly rejected—it came too late and seemed tokenistic ([brisbanetimes.com.au][5]). Many suggest the contract drama rattled the locker room, contributing to player unrest and weakening Seibold’s position ([news.com.au][6]).
5. **Is He the NRL’s Most Controversial Talent?**
At 36 and nearing the twilight of his career, Cherry‑Evans’ simultaneous loss of Origin status, leadership scrutiny, and club turmoil paint a picture of a polarizing figure. His extraordinary talent is clear—but so are the mounting controversies that now surround his legacy.
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**Bottom line:** Daly Cherry‑Evans remains a top-tier player and three-time Origin-winning captain. Yet between the broadcast contract saga, alleged internal dissent, and being axed from the Maroons, he’s now arguably the NRL’s most controversial talent—beloved by fans, questioned by insiders, and thrust into a high‑stakes, high‑drama storm.
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