EXCLUSIVE: Phil Gould rinses 'ridiculous' Daly Cherry-Evans contract suggestion amid early release reports

Phil Gould isn't buying into the idea Manly will let go of Daly Cherry-Evans early, describing the suggestion as "ridiculous".

Cherry-Evans informed the Sea Eagles early in the season he wouldn't be continuing at the club, and speculation is rife he could end up at the Roosters.

The halfback has stayed silent on the speculation, amid rumours he could be released mid-season.

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With Manly sitting in eighth and still well in contention for glory at the end of the season, Gould doesn't understand why the club would entertain the idea of letting its captain and champion halfback go.

"Why would Manly give up on their season now? I can't see that happening," he said on Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles with Gus.

"They're not going to give up on their season.

"I think it's a ridiculous thought.

"I can't see that happening. I really don't see that happening. I can't imagine the club would give up on their season at this stage, at any stage really."

When Cherry-Evans announced his decision to leave Manly, Gould's Bulldogs were named as a contender for his signature.

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The club's general manager denied the Bulldogs were in the race.

The Roosters have been constantly linked to Cherry-Evans with former player Brandon Smith suggesting it's a done deal on his way out of the club.

Gould has been a constant critic of the links amid his belief that Sam Walker should stay as the main half at the club.

He doubled down on the podcast.

"I still don't get the Cherry-Evans to the Roosters thing. I don't get it at all," he said.