Daly Cherry-Evans

Daly Cherry-Evans
Daly Cherry-Evans
Born	February 20, 1989 (age 37); Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia
Occupation	Professional rugby league footballer
Years active	2011–present
Known for	Captain and halfback for Manly Warringah Sea Eagles; representative player for Queensland and Australia

Daly Cherry-Evans (born 20 February 1989) is a professional Australian rugby league athlete who serves as captain and plays as a for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in the National Rugby League. Widely regarded among the finest halfbacks of the NRL era, he is celebrated for his tactical intelligence, endurance, career longevity, and exceptional skill in executing match-deciding field goals with either foot under intense pressure.

In his debut year, Cherry-Evans secured the 2011 NRL Grand Final title with Manly and was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal in the 2013 NRL Grand Final. At the representative level, he has both played for and captained Queensland in State of Origin contests. On the international stage, he represented Australia from 2011 through 2023, filling roles as , , and versatile bench utility. He held vice-captaincy during Test matches and co-led the victorious inaugural 9's side in 2019. Additionally, he captained the Prime Minister's XIII in 2018 and 2022, while serving as vice-captain in 2023. Since 2017, Cherry-Evans has been Manly’s captain and led Queensland from 2019 until Game 1 of 2025.

He holds numerous records including most appearances for Manly, highest number of matches as Manly captain, most NRL games and tries recorded by a halfback, greatest number of field goals in NRL history, as well as being the oldest player and captain in State of Origin history. Furthermore, he possesses the longest streak of consecutive games played at halfback in Origin matches for both Queensland and New South Wales.

Early life

Born in Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia, Cherry-Evans is the son of an English-born mother and an Australian father, Troy Evans, who himself was a halfback for the Norths Devils and Redcliffe Dolphins during the Brisbane Rugby League premiership throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

His introduction to rugby league began at age five with the Redcliffe Dolphins. At twelve years old, he relocated to Mackay, Queensland, where he played junior rugby with Mackay Brothers, Sarina Crocodiles, and South's Sharks. He attended St Patrick's College, Mackay before moving on to Redcliffe State High School, representing their rugby league team. Early in 2008, Dennis Moore invited Cherry-Evans to trial with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, leading to his signing with their under-20s squad competing in the National Youth Competition.

National Youth Competition (2008–09)

During the 2008 and 2009 seasons, Cherry-Evans appeared in 46 matches for Manly’s National Youth Competition team, accumulating 246 points including 24 tries. His outstanding performance earned him a spot on the interchange bench of the 2009 Toyota Cup season's team of the year.

Queensland Cup (2010)

Following the conclusion of the 2009 Toyota Cup season, Cherry-Evans found himself behind Trent Hodkinson for Manly’s first-grade halfback position after club captain Matt Orford departed. As a result, he competed with Manly’s Queensland Cup affiliate club, the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles. His impressive form secured him selection as halfback and captain for Queensland Residents. Throughout most of that season, he captained Sunshine Coast and earned several honors: Queensland Cup Best and Fairest award, Rookie of the Year recognition, and finished runner-up for Player of the Year.

2011

Following Hodkinson's transfer to the Canterbury Bulldogs, Cherry-Evans made his debut for Manly in Round 1 of the 2011 NRL season against the Melbourne Storm at , resulting in an 18–6 defeat at AAMI Park.

In Round 12, facing the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium, Cherry-Evans recorded his inaugural NRL try during Manly's 34–10 triumph, benefiting from a flick pass delivered by fullback Brett Stewart. The subsequent round against the Bulldogs saw him score an unchallenged try off a scrum, execute a one-on-one strip on Dene Halatau, and contribute three try assists, performances that earned him halfback recognition in the BigPond Sport Team of the Week. In October, English coach Steve McNamara extended an offer to Cherry-Evans for a starting position in the 2011 Four Nations, leveraging his eligibility through his English-born mother; however, he declined, reaffirming his allegiance to Queensland and Australia.

Cherry-Evans secured the 2011 Dally M Rookie of the Year title and scored a try in Manly's win over the New Zealand Warriors during the 2011 NRL grand final. He delivered a crucial inside pass that set up Brett Stewart's opening try and crossed the line himself just before halftime after a well-placed grubber kick from Glenn Stewart. These contributions were instrumental in Manly's 24–10 victory, clinching their eighth premiership. Notably, Cherry-Evans became the first rookie halfback since Steve Morris in 1979 to guide his team to a premiership. Throughout that season, he participated in all 27 games for Manly, accumulating 7 tries, 25 goals, and 3 field goals. The Rugby League International Federation honored him as the world's premier halfback for 2011.

2012

In March 2012, the management representing Cherry-Evans sought his release for the 2013 NRL season, referencing a contract valued at $85,000 which they considered insufficient. Soon after, he recommitted to Manly under a substantially enhanced agreement reportedly valued at $500,000 per year through to 2015.

Throughout the 2012 NRL season, Cherry-Evans participated in all 27 games for Manly, crossing the try line 7 times, successfully kicking 3 goals, and adding 1 field goal.

2013

From his debut in Round 1 of 2011, Cherry-Evans had maintained an unbroken streak until his selection for Queensland in Game III of the 2013 State of Origin series caused him to miss Manly’s Round 18 fixture against North Queensland.

In October 2013, despite Manly’s 26-18 defeat to the Sydney Roosters in the NRL Grand Final, Cherry-Evans was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal as Man of the Match. He became just the third player to receive this honor from a losing team, joining Bradley Clyde (1991), Brad Mackay (1993), and Jack Wighton (2019).

During the 2013 campaign, he featured in 27 matches for Manly, registering 11 tries and kicking 2 field goals.

2014

On 14 February 2014, Cherry-Evans was named in the Sea Eagles’ inaugural squad for the 2014 Auckland Nines tournament.

In August of that year, he reached his milestone 100th NRL appearance during Round 24 in a 22-12 loss to the Parramatta Eels at Parramatta Stadium.

Cherry-Evans guided Manly to their fourth straight finals appearance, achieving top-four finishes in each of his first four seasons. The Sea Eagles were defeated 40-24 by eventual champions South Sydney Rabbitohs in the Qualifying Final at Allianz Stadium. In the Semi Final against Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Cherry-Evans kicked a last-minute field goal to level the score and send the match into Golden Point extra time; however, the Bulldogs secured victory with a subsequent field goal. He was selected for Australia’s train-on squad for the 2014 Rugby League Four Nations and received the Dally M Halfback of the Year award at the 2014 Dally M Awards.

Throughout the 2014 season, Cherry-Evans played in 23 games for Manly, scoring a career-low of 3 tries while equaling his personal best with 4 field goals.

2015

In January 2015, Cherry-Evans captained the Sea Eagles during the Auckland Nines pre-season tournament; however, the team failed to win any matches.

On 6 March 2015, he announced a four-year contract to join the Gold Coast Titans starting in 2016 but reversed this decision on 3 June by signing an eight-year agreement to remain with Manly before the NRL’s Round 13 cooling-off deadline. Cherry-Evans commented, "I definitely left the door open for this speculation... I was always curious to know what offer was going to be on the table from Manly." Following this announcement, he was subjected to boos from supporters in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast. The contract was reported to be worth more than $10 million AUD, averaging approximately $1.25 million annually.

Manly failed to qualify for the finals for the first time during Cherry-Evans’ career in September 2015, finishing ninth on the ladder. He appeared in 23 games and scored four tries during that season.

2016

In March 2016, Cherry-Evans incurred a high ankle sprain during Round 4 in a narrow 22-20 victory over the Sydney Roosters. This injury necessitated the use of a moon boot and sidelined him for approximately one month.

Later in June, he suffered his second ankle injury of the year in Round 13 while Manly was defeated 30-18 by the Canberra Raiders, despite having scored the opening try. Although initially anticipated to be out for four games, Cherry-Evans made a quicker return, missing only two matches before coming back in Round 16.

Manly concluded the 2016 season in 13th place, failing to reach the finals for the second year running. Cherry-Evans participated in a career-low total of 19 games, registering 5 tries and successfully kicking 2 field goals throughout the campaign.

2017

With the retirement of long-serving Manly captain Jamie Lyon, Cherry-Evans was appointed as club captain for the 2017 NRL season. He answered his critics with an impressive display, guiding the Sea Eagles to their first finals appearance since 2014. The team was eliminated in the opening round by the Penrith Panthers. Cherry-Evans featured in all 25 matches, scored 6 tries, kicked 9 goals, and earned Manly's Player of the Year honors.

2018

On 28 May, Cherry-Evans was left out of Queensland’s squad for the first game of the 2018 State of Origin series. However, he was reinstated as halfback for Game 3 on 2 July.

Throughout the 2018 season, Cherry-Evans took part in 24 matches, crossing for 8 tries and converting 65 goals. Despite Manly finishing near the bottom in 15th place during the 2018 NRL season, his individual performances were notable. Consequently, he was selected as halfback and vice-captain for Australia’s Test fixtures against New Zealand and Tonga, scoring a try in the 34–16 triumph over Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium.

2019

In Round 3, Cherry-Evans contributed two tries and seven goals as Manly secured a commanding 46–12 win over the New Zealand Warriors. On 27 May, he was named halfback and appointed as Queensland Maroons’ 15th captain. He featured in all three games of the 2019 State of Origin series, with Queensland ultimately losing the series 2–1.

In Round 19, Cherry-Evans kicked a decisive field goal during golden point extra-time to clinch an 11–10 victory against Melbourne at AAMI Park.

Over the course of the 2019 NRL season, Cherry-Evans appeared in 21 matches as Manly finished sixth and qualified for the finals. He played in both finals games before Manly’s elimination by South Sydney with a scoreline of 34–26 in the elimination semi-final. On 7 October, he was selected in Australia’s squad for the Oceania Cup fixtures.

2020

During the 2020 NRL season, Cherry-Evans featured in 20 games for Manly-Warringah as the club ended up in a disappointing 13th position on the ladder.

2021

In Round 5 of the 2021 NRL season, Cherry-Evans kicked a last-second field goal to secure Manly’s first victory of the year, edging out the New Zealand Warriors 13–12 after suffering four straight losses.

He scored two tries against the Wests Tigers twice during this season—first in Round 7 during a dominant 40–6 win and again in Round 19 when Manly triumphed 44–24 over the same opponent. Throughout the season, Cherry-Evans played in all 25 matches, including Manly’s preliminary final defeat to South Sydney.

2022

During the third round of the 2022 NRL season, Cherry-Evans delivered a decisive late field goal, clinching a 13–12 triumph over Canterbury and securing Manly's inaugural victory for the year.

He participated in 22 matches throughout the season as Manly concluded in 11th place, failing to reach the finals. In October, Cherry-Evans earned selection in the Australian squad for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

2023

In the opening round of the 2023 NRL season, Cherry-Evans achieved his first career hat-trick during Manly's 31–6 win against Canterbury. He featured in all three fixtures for Queensland in the 2023 State of Origin series, contributing to Queensland's 2-1 series victory. Across the 2023 season, Cherry-Evans appeared in 22 games as Manly ended the year 12th on the ladder, missing out on finals contention.

2024

By round 5 of the 2024 NRL season, Cherry-Evans set a new club record for appearances with Manly, overtaking Cliff Lyons, as Manly secured a 32-18 win. In round 18, he kicked the decisive field goal during Manly's golden point win over North Queensland. Throughout the season, he played 24 games; Manly finished seventh and qualified for the finals but were eliminated in week two by the Sydney Roosters.

2025

On 24 March, Cherry-Evans notified Manly that he would not be continuing with the club beyond 2025. Soon after, Manly publicly extended a new contract offer, which Cherry-Evans confirmed he intended to decline. On 27 March, he formally rejected a two-year contract extension. In May, he was named in Queensland's squad for game one of the 2025 State of Origin series but was replaced by Tom Dearden ahead of game two on 9 June.

Statistics

Season	Team	Games	Tries	Goals	F/G	Points
2011	Template:Leagueicon Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles	27	7	25	3	81
2012		27	7	3	1	35
2013		27	11	0	2	46
2014		23	3	–	4	16
2015		23	5	0	–	20
2016		19	5	–	2	22
2017		25	6	9	4	46
2018		24	8	65	2	164
2019		21	5	21	2	64
2020		20	6	12	1	49
2021		25	9	1	2	40
2022		22	5	15	2	52
2023		22	9	20	1	72
2024		24	8	16	2	66
2025		8	3		12
Total		337	96	187	28	786

^{Statistics last updated: 24 March 2025}

Honours

Individual

Awarded Dally M Rookie of The Year: 2011
RLPA Rookie of The Year recipient: 2011
Honoured as Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Ken Arthurson Rookie of The Year: 2011
RLIF Halfback of The Year: earned in both 2011 and 2013
Multiple-time recipient of Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Gordon Willoughby Medal – Members Player of The Year, including years such as 2013, 2018, and continuing through to 2024
Winner of Clive Churchill Medal: awarded in 2013
Recognized as Dally M Halfback of The Year: achieved in 2014
Spirit of ANZAC Medal winner: received in 2015
Served as captain of Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles from 2017 through at least to the year 2025
Multiple-time recipient of Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Roy Bull Best and Fairest award including years like 2017 and 2020 among others
Held vice-captaincy for Australia Kangaroos during years 2018 and 2019
Captaincy role for Queensland Maroons from 2019 through to 2025
Awarded Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles Steve Menzies Medal – Play of the Year for a notable game-winning field goal in 2019
Named RLPA Halfback of The Year: 2019
Co-captaincy role for Australia national rugby league team (9s): 2019
Recipient of Ron McAuliffe Medal (2022) and Dick "Tosser" Turner Medal (2023)
Honoured as Manly Players' Player in 2023

Club

Champions: 2011 NRL Grand Final
Finalists: runners-up in both 2012 World Club Challenge and the 2013 NRL Grand Final

Representative

Victorious in multiple prominent competitions including State of Origin series (years won: 2013, 2015, 2020, 2022, 2023), Rugby League World Cup (2013), and Rugby League World Cup 9s (2019)

Controversy

In April 2018, Manly imposed a $10,000 fine on Cherry-Evans following a confrontation with teammate Jackson Hastings that escalated beyond the playing field and played a role in Hastings' exit from the club. This episode brought to light underlying team discord that influenced player departures and the overall club environment.

Ex-teammates Willie Mason and Anthony Watmough openly criticized Cherry-Evans, blaming his leadership approach for creating divisions within the squad. Mason spoke of a pronounced rift during his time at the club linked to Cherry-Evans, while Watmough connected several player exits to disputes involving him. These incidents have shaped public opinion regarding Manly’s internal team cohesion and leadership effectiveness.

Allegiance

Originating from Redcliffe, Cherry-Evans was eligible to play for either Australia or England due to his mother’s English heritage. In 2011, England’s coach Steve McNamara extended an invitation for him to start in the Four Nations tournament, but Cherry-Evans declined, choosing instead to represent Queensland and Australia at the representative level.

2011

In October 2011, Australia’s coach Tim Sheens selected Cherry-Evans for the Kangaroos' squad competing in the 2011 Four Nations. He made his international Test debut coming off the bench against Wales in November, crossing for a try during a dominant 56-14 win at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham.

2012

Cherry-Evans was named on the bench for the 2012 Anzac Test in April 2012 but did not take the field throughout the match. This benching drew criticism from former Kangaroo Chris Close, who described it as "disrespectful."

2013

He earned selection in Australia’s 24-man squad for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. After missing the opening game against England, Cherry-Evans started at halfback against Fiji, scoring a try in a 34-2 victory alongside five-eighth Johnathan Thurston. He then shifted to five-eighth while Cooper Cronk took halfback duties against Ireland, again scoring in a commanding 50-0 win. Cherry-Evans appeared as an interchange player in later matches including the quarter-final versus USA (62-0), semi-final against Fiji (64-0), and ultimately featured in the final against New Zealand—a 34-2 triumph witnessed by a record crowd of 74,468 at Old Trafford, Manchester.

2014

In April 2014, Cherry-Evans earned a spot in the Kangaroos squad for the 2014 Anzac Test, donning the No.14 jersey. He participated for 5 minutes in the 30-18 victory against New Zealand at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Later that year, in October, Cherry-Evans was included in the Kangaroos lineup for the 2014 Four Nations tournament. He started at five-eighth alongside halfback Cooper Cronk throughout all four matches. During the game against Samoa, he scored a try and successfully kicked his first two goals for Australia.

2015

In April 2015, Cherry-Evans was designated as the 18th man for the 2015 Anzac Test held at Suncorp Stadium.

2018

October 2018 saw Cherry-Evans recalled as the primary halfback and appointed vice-captain of the Kangaroos for matches against New Zealand and Tonga. Although Australia suffered a narrow 26-24 defeat in Auckland to New Zealand, they triumphed over Tonga 34-16, with Cherry-Evans contributing a try.

2019

In October 2019, Cherry-Evans retained his role as vice-captain of Australia during the 2019 Oceania Cup. He received a late invitation to co-captain Australia's 9s team alongside Wade Graham at the 2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s, where they secured a 24-10 win over New Zealand in the final. In subsequent Test matches, Australia defeated New Zealand 26-4 in Wollongong but were upset by Tonga 16-12 in Auckland, marking their first loss to a Tier-2 nation since 1978.

2022

Cherry-Evans was named in Australia's squad for the 2022 Rugby League World Cup in October 2022, marking international rugby league's return after a hiatus due to COVID-19 since 2019. He was not appointed vice-captain; instead, those roles were shared by Cameron Murray and Isaah Yeo. Wearing jersey No.2 under a new numbering system based on international debut order, Cherry-Evans started at halfback during Australia's commanding 42-8 victory over Fiji. Subsequently, Nathan Cleary assumed halfback duties against Scotland and maintained that position throughout the tournament. Cherry-Evans shifted to five-eighth alongside Cleary during the 66-6 win over Italy and made an appearance off the bench against Lebanon in a 48-4 win—his first time coming off the bench since 2014.

2023

In October 2023, Cherry-Evans was selected for Australia's squad competing in the 2023 Rugby League Pacific Championships. Following Nathan Cleary's withdrawal, Cherry-Evans resumed his role as halfback and contributed to victories over Samoa (38-12) and New Zealand (36-18). However, Australia was defeated by New Zealand 30-0 in the final match.

2011

In January 2011, Cherry-Evans was part of a 14-player QAS Emerging Origin group that trained at Queensland Sport & Athletics Centre (QSAC) in Brisbane.

2012

In May 2012, Queensland coach Mal Meninga named Cherry-Evans as the 18th man for Game 1 of the 2012 State of Origin series, although he did not take the field during that series.

2013

In May 2013, Cherry-Evans was designated as the 18th man for Queensland in the opening match of the 2013 State of Origin series. The following month, he made his Origin debut in Game 2, donning the No.14 jersey and helping secure a 26-6 victory at Suncorp Stadium. In July, he was once again named on the bench for Game 3, where Queensland clinched a record eighth consecutive series triumph before a crowd of 83,813 at ANZ Stadium.

2014

During May 2014, Cherry-Evans was selected to wear the No.14 jersey for Game 1 of the 2014 State of Origin series, marking the 100th Origin match. When halfback Cooper Cronk sustained a broken arm early on, Cherry-Evans entered from the bench to fill the halfback role for his first time at this level. Although Queensland initially led, they were defeated 12-8. In June, despite a knee injury and after passing a fitness test, he was assigned the No.7 jersey for Game 2; Queensland lost narrowly 6-4, ending their eight-series winning streak. By July, Cherry-Evans returned to the bench for Game 3 with Cronk reinstated at halfback and made a pivotal contribution that led to a try as Queensland won decisively 32-8.

2015

In May 2015, Cherry-Evans sustained a shoulder injury during Round 10 against the Penrith Panthers, just before Maroons selection for Game 1 of the 2015 State of Origin series. Although named on the bench wearing No.14, he was ruled out following medical evaluation. In June, after Cronk suffered a knee injury, Cherry-Evans recovered and started at No.7 for Game 2; however, Queensland fell 30-18 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. For Game 3, he was omitted as Cronk returned and Michael Morgan retained his position on the bench.

2018

July 2018 saw Cherry-Evans return to State of Origin action after a three-year hiatus, starting at halfback in Game 3 of the 2018 State of Origin series. He scored his inaugural Origin try, playing a crucial role in Queensland’s 18-12 victory that prevented a series whitewash at Suncorp Stadium. His performance earned widespread praise.

2019

In May 2019, Cherry-Evans was appointed as the 15th Captain of the Queensland Maroons. Under his leadership, Queensland secured an 18-14 win in Game 1 but were defeated in the subsequent two matches. Notably, in Game 3 with scores level at 20-all, Cherry-Evans chose not to attempt a long-range field goal due to defensive pressure—a decision he later described as his greatest regret.

2020

November 2020 featured Cherry-Evans captaining Queensland to an impressive series victory in the 2020 State of Origin series, overcoming a favored New South Wales team by 2–1. Despite pre-series criticism branding Queensland as one of the weakest Maroons sides in decades, Cherry-Evans embraced this underdog label and expressed gratitude to fans on behalf of what was humorously called "the worst ever Queensland team" during the post-match ceremony.

2021

In the 2021 State of Origin series, Queensland suffered heavy defeats with scores of 50-6 in Townsville and 26-0 in Brisbane before rebounding to win the third game 20-18 on the Gold Coast. Due to restrictions related to COVID-19, this series was uniquely held entirely within one state, with Townsville and Gold Coast hosting matches for their first time.

2022

During 2022, Cherry-Evans captained Queensland to secure his second series triumph, with Queensland overcoming New South Wales 16-10 in Sydney—where he notched his second Origin try and first while serving as captain. Although New South Wales bounced back with a commanding 44-12 victory in Perth, Queensland clinched the series decider by winning 22-12 at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

2023

In 2023, Cherry-Evans guided Queensland to a third series victory as captain by winning the initial two games: a 26-16 success in Adelaide, where he was awarded the Dick "Tosser" Turner Medal for participating in 20 Origin matches, followed by a 32-6 triumph at Suncorp. Despite a 24-10 defeat in Game 3 held in Sydney, Cherry-Evans surpassed Allan Langer’s record for the most consecutive appearances as an Origin halfback.

2024

Cherry-Evans received his second man of the match distinction at Origin level in 2024 after contributing two try assists and executing a 40/20 kick during Game 1 in Sydney, where Queensland defeated New South Wales decisively, 38-10. Nevertheless, Queensland dropped the following encounters with losses of 38-18 in Melbourne and 14-4 in Brisbane.

2025

In May of 2025, Cherry-Evans was appointed captain of the Maroons for an unprecedented seventh consecutive series.

Captaincy records

Over the course of his captaincy, Cherry-Evans led Queensland in 18 matches, compiling nine victories and ten defeats, which equates to a winning percentage of 47.37%. Under his stewardship, Queensland secured three series wins but also suffered three series losses. Significantly, the team’s heaviest loss (50-6) took place under his leadership, along with two other substantial defeats by margins of 32 points.

External links