Brookvale Awaits: Trbojevic Calls for Respect as Cherry-Evans Returns in Roosters Colours
The air at 4 Pines Park is set to crackle with a unique blend of anticipation and potential tension this Thursday night as former Sea Eagles captain Daly Cherry-Evans prepares to run out in the Sydney Roosters jersey. For the Manly faithful, it’s a sight they’ve long contemplated since the bombshell announcement last year that their club legend would depart after 15 seasons. However, Sea Eagles star Tom Trbojevic is urging fans to look beyond the immediate rivalry and acknowledge Cherry-Evans’ significant contribution to the club.
Trbojevic, who himself took over the captaincy from Cherry-Evans, has been quick to dismiss any lingering suggestions of a personal falling out between the pair. He finds the idea of any animosity humorous, stating, “What am I going to do to Daly? What have I done to anyone? (Do you) think he’ll be running around scared of me this week or anything?” He added with a laugh, “I’ve played ‘Chez’ before and it’s going to be no different. When we’re playing this week, we’re out there to get a job done, but I’m not out to get anyone.”
The departure of Cherry-Evans from Manly was a significant moment, leading to months of speculation before his eventual signing with the Roosters. While fans expressed frustration at the time, the sentiment was largely directed at club management rather than the decorated halfback himself. Now, as he returns to the spiritual home of the Sea Eagles, the question remains: how will the notoriously passionate Brookvale crowd react to seeing one of their own in enemy colours?
A Plea for Appreciation
Trbojevic believes that the overriding emotion should be one of gratitude. “I think they should be cheering (given) what he’s done for this club,” he stated. “He’s played 350-odd games for us and he’s been one of our all-time greats. I’m not going to tell the fans what to do, but I’d like to think they’re going to cheer him.”
He acknowledged the natural emotions that might arise from seeing a former club hero in a rival jersey. “I can understand it (people booing) in a sense that he played for us and now he’s playing for a different club,” Trbojevic conceded. “But I’m not going to tell anyone what to do. If they’re going to boo him, they’re going to boo him. It doesn’t matter what I say.”
Ultimately, Trbojevic’s message is one of respect for a player who has etched his name in Manly folklore. “I’ve known him for a long time, he’s a good person and he’s been an unbelievable player for this club, and you’d like to think that as fans and as people of this community, we can show him that respect.”
A New Era, Old Stories
The arrival of Jamal Fogarty to steer the Sea Eagles’ ship at halfback marks what Ben Trbojevic describes as a “new era” for the club. However, Cherry-Evans’ return inevitably reopens old discussions and speculation. One persistent rumour that resurfaced was the notion that Tom and Jake Trbojevic had a strained relationship with Cherry-Evans following his decision to leave.
The superstar fullback was taken aback by these claims and vehemently denies any truth to them. “We’re good mates, I’ve got a great relationship with Chez,” Tom asserted. “I personally don’t recall that going around last year, but if it did, whatever.”
He clarified his approach to his former teammate ahead of the match. “I’m not going to talk to him probably before the game, respectfully. I don’t need to talk to him before the game, but I’ll definitely talk to him after the game after we get a win, hopefully.”
Trbojevic understands the public’s fascination with Cherry-Evans’ return. “I can understand all of that (the interest). He’s our most-capped player, and he’s coming back to play here so I can definitely understand it,” he said. “But (our) relationship, there’s never any issue there.”
The Sea Eagles, currently struggling with just one win to their name this season, will be looking to put in a strong performance. Players have largely downplayed the Cherry-Evans narrative, with some admitting it hasn’t been a significant topic of discussion within the team. Others have even laughed off suggestions that they would target the veteran playmaker specifically. The focus, they insist, is on executing their game plan and securing a much-needed victory, regardless of who is wearing the opposition jersey.
Cherry-Evans’ departure was a turning point for the Sea Eagles, signalling the end of an era. His return, however, presents an opportunity for the club and its supporters to acknowledge his legacy while simultaneously forging ahead into their own future. The reception he receives at 4 Pines Park will undoubtedly be a talking point long after the final whistle blows, but Trbojevic’s plea for respect highlights the desire for a mature and appreciative farewell to a club icon, even as he competes against them.
The dynamic between Trbojevic and Cherry-Evans, once captain and deputy, now rivals on the field, adds another layer of intrigue to this already highly anticipated clash. While the Manly club navigates its current challenges, the legacy of players like Daly Cherry-Evans remains an indelible part of its history. How the Sea Eagles faithful choose to honour that legacy on Thursday night will speak volumes about the club’s enduring spirit and its appreciation for those who have worn the maroon and white with distinction. The game itself is crucial for both teams, with both battling for form and wins. But for many, the sub-plot of Cherry-Evans’ return to his former stomping ground will be the dominant narrative.
