Cherry-Evans reveals no milestone will determine retirement as 350 games mark approaches

MANLY Sea Eagles halfback Daly Cherry-Evans says there’s no specific achievement or milestone that will determine whether he retires at the end of the season.

The current Sea Eagles and Queensland captain is this season on track to play 350 NRL games, becoming the fifth or sixth player to achieve the feat, depending on fellow half Ben Hunt who is five games ahead.

The 2013 Clive Churchill Medallist is off-contract at the end of the season, but speaking at the NRL season launch, Cherry-Evans told SEN he wouldn’t let his retirement decision be dictated by a premiership or accomplishment.

“There won’t be (a moment) so that’s going to frustrate everyone,” Cherry-Evans joked.

“There’s no announcement, I’m just going to play as if it is my last year.

“I still believe that there might be more left in me but ultimately, I’m not going to decide that right now.

“I don’t know if a premiership would decide whether I play on or not, but it’d be bloody nice.”

As the Sea Eagles search for their first premiership since Cherry-Evans’s rookie year in 2011, the playmaker says the club is investing well in juniors to replace him when his retirement eventually comes.

The club has signed highly regarded young halves Joey Walsh and Onitoni Large, as well as hooker Zaidus Muagututia, in conjunction with the emergence of young fullback Lehi Hopoate in 2024.

“It’s great to see the club is mindful of what’s next,” Cherry-Evans said.

“We do have the top end of our squad that are getting closer, or if not through their 30s, so it is really important to get the depth but also the young roster to fill the gaps when the older boys retire, and I’m one of those.

“As an older fella, it’s really important that, one, I do my job the best I can but, two, also pass my knowledge onto those younger fellas.

“There’s a real good balance at the moment and if we can help get the best out of each other this year and pass on that knowledge to the younger fellas, I think we’re going to be in a really good position as a club beyond me and the older boys.”

The Sea Eagles open their season against the North Queensland Cowboys on March 8.

BY SEN/SAM KOSACK