What happens when a captain is labeled a liability but then pulls off a jaw-dropping tackle that leaves everyone speechless? That’s exactly the rollercoaster that Daly Cherry-Evans, the captain of the Sea Eagles, has been on this season! After stepping away from the Manly club and facing the axe from the Queensland team, he’s been at the center of intense criticism. Yet, in a crucial game against the Storm, he showed the world he still has what it takes to shine on the field.

The 36-year-old halfback has faced accusations of derailing the Sea Eagles’ campaign for the 2025 season, with skeptics questioning whether he could still compete at an elite level. But all it took was one moment of brilliance to silence the critics. In a nail-biting encounter, Cherry-Evans executed a last-ditch tackle on the formidable Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who seemed destined to score.

Phil Rothfield, a veteran sports reporter, lauded Cherry-Evans’ effort, highlighting that it was a feat that defied both physics and expectations. “How good was it? What a tackle! Here’s DCE, ten meters from his line, and he brings him down,” declared Rothfield on the Big Sports Breakfast. The tackle not only secured an impressive 18-16 win for Manly but also served as a significant moment of redemption for Cherry-Evans amidst the swirling storm of criticism.

His future with Manly is still uncertain, as reports suggest he’s set to join the Roosters in 2026. However, Rothfield insists that Cherry-Evans remains a valuable asset, particularly for a legacy club like the Roosters. Despite the turmoil, Cherry-Evans has persevered quietly, showing resilience in a season that could have easily unraveled him.

Not long ago, Coach Anthony Seibold was facing a crisis after a humiliating loss to the Titans that had fans and players alike on edge. Following that shocking defeat, intense one-on-one meetings with players were held to address the team’s dismal performance. The pressure mounted, and changes were needed. Cherry-Evans’ tackle against the Storm didn’t just solidify his role as captain; it also sparked a turnaround for the Sea Eagles, who now find themselves in seventh place on the NRL ladder.

Rothfield’s analysis paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by Cherry-Evans this season. He noted that the tackle was akin to a bicycle taking on a RAM ute, given the weight difference between Cherry-Evans and Asofa-Solomona. “That was fantastic footy,” Rothfield said, emphasizing how Cherry-Evans’ determination to put his body on the line uplifted the entire team.