By Fox League | March 30, 2025 – 4:47 PM AEDT

It was supposed to be a celebration, a show of loyalty and appreciation as Daly Cherry-Evans ran out onto 4 Pines Park for what could be one of his final appearances in front of the Manly faithful. Instead, the afternoon turned bittersweet as star fullback Tom Trbojevic appeared to suffer a fresh injury, casting a shadow over an already emotional occasion.

DCE’s Emotional Return to Home Turf

As the crowd roared and banners waved, Daly Cherry-Evans (DCE) jogged onto the field for the Sea Eagles’ Sunday clash, marking his first home appearance since publicly announcing he would leave Manly at the end of the 2025 NRL season.

There was no mistaking the emotion in the air. Fans who have admired DCE for his loyalty, leadership, and legacy with the club gave him a hero’s welcome. For a player whose name has become synonymous with Manly’s identity for over a decade, this moment wasn’t just about football—it was about gratitude, nostalgia, and respect.

Social media lit up with messages of love and heartbreak:

“No one wears maroon and white like DCE. Can’t imagine Brookvale without him.”
“End of an era. Thanks for everything, skip.”

But the celebratory tone wouldn’t last long.

Tom Trbojevic in Trouble Again: “Doesn’t Look Good”

Just minutes into the match, attention turned to the sideline where Tom Trbojevic was being examined by medical staff. The fullback—whose career has been marred by recurring hamstring and shoulder injuries—appeared uncomfortable, sparking immediate concern.

Commentators on Fox League noted that Trbojevic was “clearly struggling”, and reports from the sidelines confirmed that he may not return to the field.

“It doesn’t look good,” sideline reporter Megan Barnard said.
“The trainers are taking no chances. He looks frustrated—grim even.”

The exact nature of the injury remains unclear, but the sight of ‘Turbo’ off the field so early sent a wave of worry through the Sea Eagles’ fanbase. It’s the kind of moment Manly fans have seen too many times before—and never get used to.

Fans Shift Focus and Support to DCE

With Trbojevic potentially sidelined again, the crowd’s attention turned back to Daly Cherry-Evans—the steady hand and spiritual leader of this team. For Manly fans already emotional about his impending departure, today became more than a game—it became a symbol of transition and uncertainty.

Despite the off-field noise and the injuries around him, DCE led from the front, setting up plays and communicating with purpose. If this is to be his last campaign in maroon and white, he’s clearly committed to going out with pride.

“This club means everything to me,” Cherry-Evans said earlier this week.
“I want to finish strong, for the boys and for the fans.”

And the fans responded. Chants of “DCE! DCE!” rang through the stands, a heartfelt show of unity in a moment of chaos.

What’s Next for Manly?

Manly’s 2025 season was already full of pressure and expectation. With DCE’s looming departure and the persistent injury issues surrounding Trbojevic, the leadership vacuum and structural uncertainty are growing concerns for the club’s future.

Coach Anthony Seibold now faces tough questions:

• How do you manage Turbo’s fitness for the rest of the season?

• Who steps up in leadership as Cherry-Evans prepares to exit?

• Can this squad stay competitive amid so much instability?

There is talent in the squad, no doubt. But today reminded everyone how fragile success can be in the NRL.

A Bitter-Sweet Afternoon at Brookvale

Today was supposed to be about celebrating a warrior—Daly Cherry-Evans, the boy from Redcliffe who became a Manly legend. And to some extent, it still was. His entrance was met with tears, applause, and reverence.

But the lingering image of Tom Trbojevic walking gingerly off the field, frustration written all over his face, is what will stay with fans.

It was a reminder that rugby league is not only a game of glory and triumph—it’s a game of resilience, heartbreak, and unexpected turns.

As one fan tweeted:

“Thank you, DCE, for always showing up. And Turbo—please, not again. We need you both.”