EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Johns questions Manly over 'disrespectful' offer to Daly Cherry-Evans
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Andrew Johns has taken a swipe at Manly over a "disrespectful" contract offer to skipper Daly Cherry-Evans for next season.
Despite being the oldest player in the competition, the 36-year-old is reportedly keen to continue his illustrious career at least for the 2026 campaign.
There has also been speculation that Cherry-Evans may want a two-year extension.
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While there has been very little publicly said, reports around the NRL indicate that the Sea Eagles have tabled a $600,000 offer to Cherry-Evans, who remains one of the game's elite playmakers and captained at State of Origin level last year.
The deal would be a massive pay-cut for Cherry-Evans, who is on over $1 million as it stands, with Johns questioning Manly's negotiation tactics.
Andrew Johns has weighed in on Daly Cherry-Evans next contract. Nine
"I think it's disrespectful," he said on Wide World of Sports' Immortal Behaviour.
"If he went on the open market, we've seen what the market is like at the moment, he could get $1.3 [million], maybe even more.
"He's 36 but very durable and during his career, he's only missed 20 games. It goes to show how professional he is and how smart he is, he keeps himself out of big contact.
"They need to meet in the middle, he can't be on over a million - I think a really good figure would be 800,000 or 850,000.
"You don't do that [low offer] to someone like Daly."
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Anthony Seibold came out this week and said he hopes to keep the No.7 on board for as long as he wants to play, but the noise will only continue until a deal is done.
Johns believes seeing the halfback in another team's colours "wouldn't be right" and pointed out the fact very few players would take unders to find success.
"I would sign him, without a shadow of a doubt - I'd sign him for two years," he said.
Daly Cherry-Evans is one of Manly's all-time greats. Getty
"That's what strong clubs with strong senior players do, they take less money. These days, it's very hard for clubs to bargains - particularly in the key positions.
"He can't play for another team, it just wouldn't be right for him to finish his career at another team. I don't think the god of rugby league would let that happen.
"They've got a real growing roster with some top-line players. If Daly leaves, there's no halves around ... I don't know if there's anyone knocking on the door.
"They can't let him go, they need him."
Cherry-Evans suffered a back injury in round two, but is expected to play on Sunday.
Star fullback Tom Trbojevic however is set to miss the clash against Canberra after his latest hamstring injury, but should be available in round four.
