Cherry-Evans requests Manly release

Manly half-back Daly Cherry-Evans has had a request to be released at the end of the season rejected by the NRL club.

Cherry-Evans, 23, was named the world’s best half-back by the RLIF in 2011 after helping the Sea Eagles to the NRL title in a year that also saw him win the Dally M Rookie of the Year award.

According to Australian magazine Rugby League Week, Cherry-Evans’ manager Chris Orr reveals he asked Manly for a release, effective at the end of this season, but it was denied.

He said: “I know players in the Toyota Cup ob $100,000 and $120,000.

“It’s just not right that one of the brightest young kids in the game is on less than them.”

Cherry-Evans scored in the Grand Final win over New Zealand Warriors last autumn, and was the subject of an audacious attempt by Steve McNamara to get him to play his representative rugby league for England.

He qualifies for England through his England-born mother, but declined the request and was instead selected in Australia‘s squad for the Four Nations tournament.