Cherry-Evans happy with Manly deal

Manly star Daly Cherry-Evans insists his request for a contract release was ‘part of negotiations’ to secure a better deal.

Cherry-Evans’ manager Gavin Orr approached the Sea Eagles management earlier this month asking for the 23-year-old halfback to be let go at the end of the current season.

Speculation was rife that he was unhappy at his $85,000-a-year salary and wanted out of the club.

But Cherry-Evans, who made his Australia debut against Wales in the Four Nations tournament in November, says he was simply bargaining for an improved contract.

“To be honest, I was always under contract until the end of next year,” he said.

“So it was more part of the negotiation than about me being unhappy at the club.”

“It’s hard for anyone on the outside to understand the process you have to take unless you’ve been through it yourself.”

Cherry-Evans eventually signed a new three year deal with Manly reported to be worth in the region of $500,000 a year.

It means he will remain at Brookvale until the end of 2015.

“It’s painful and annoying but it’s part of the game,” added Cherry-Evans

“I guess it’s not a bad thing, you know, you’re securing your future for the next few years.”