Cliffy Lyons shoots down Manly's plan to replace Daly Cherry-Evans with Tom Trbojevic in halves

Manly's greatest five-eighth Cliffy Lyons has told Yahoo Sport Australia it would be "madness" to shift champion fullback Tom Trbojevic to the halves when Daly Cherry-Evans steps down. DCE is undecided about whether he will play on in 2026, telling Sea Eagles management he wants to see how next season pans out before making a call on his future.

As the most-capped player (329 games) in the club's history, the veteran No.7 has earned the right to dictate terms. Should Cherry-Evans pull the plug at the end of next season, it’s led to speculation Manly will consider moving Trbojevic from fullback to five-eighth to play alongside Luke Brooks in the halves.

That would allow rising star Lehi Hopoate to take over at fullback. But Lyons, who sits behind DCE on 309 games for the Sea Eagles, is not a fan of the proposal.

He told Yahoo Sport Australia: "That's the first I've heard of it but I'm not sure whether that's the way to go. Tommy's one of the best fullbacks in the game and a proven match-winner, so why weaken one position to try and strengthen another?

"It's up to the coach to do what he thinks is best, but I think it would be madness. They are two totally different positions and it would take time to get comfortable at five-eighth. I'd be leaving Tommy right where he is."

Cherry-Evans will by 36 by the time he enters his 15th season in the NRL next year. He was initially keen to play on in 2026 but is now thought to be having second thoughts. A call on his rep future is imminent, with Queensland coach Billy Slater eager to know whether he will need a new halfback and skipper for the 2025 State of Origin series.

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Manly CEO responds to Daly Cherry-Evans retirment reports

Manly CEO Tony Mestrov confirmed to Yahoo Sport Australia that Cherry-Evans would not be forced into a decision on his playing future. He said: "There is no deadline or anything like that. Daly is one of this club's greats and we will continue to have conversations around his future. When the time is right, he will make a call on his plans."

It's understood the Sea Eagles have discussed using Cherry-Evans in an off-field role once his playing days are over. The Manly captain has been working closely with the club's young halves, earmarking rugby union convert Joey Walsh as his potential successor at halfback.