Cliff Lyons was nearly 38 when he stopped playing for his beloved Manly – and wants Daly Cherry-Evans to do the same.
Cherry-Evans will celebrate 300 games for the Sea Eagles on Saturday night and join Lyons as the only players to reach the magical mark for the northern beaches club.
Lyons played some of his best football well into his thirties, and, from what he has seen of 34-year-old Cherry-Evans, thinks the skipper has a fair way to go yet in his career.
“He looks after himself for starters, and the way he’s playing, there’s no reason he can’t keep playing,” Lyons said.
“It does get harder as you get older, but the older you get the smarter you get. The key is to not get caught with the ball because it hurts a little bit more when you’re older.
“He looks after himself. Let’s hope he reaches 400 games. I’d back him.”
Mr 300: Daly Cherry-EvansCredit: Getty
Lyons could not believe it had taken so long for another player to join him in the elite club, and noted that Steve Menzies was an honourable member, even though he played a few years at “that other team” – the Northern Eagles.
There is Youtube footage of Lyons playing in his 300th game against Wests in 1999, his final season in first grade, and laying on a few tries for Menzies.
“I think I set up ‘Beaver’ [Menzies] for his 100th try that day,” Lyons said.
“As for Daly, after losing ‘Turbo’ [Tom Trbojevic], he upped the ante, and he’s been incredible to watch.
Cliff Lyons, the first player to reach 300 games for Manly, was still playing at 37.Credit: Fairfax Media
“I’m looking forward to watching him this weekend, and not only is it a fantastic achievement, he’s having a fantastic season.”
Lyons resides in Curl Curl, the same suburb as Cherry-Evans, and they regularly cross paths. The only time Lyons snubs the Queenslander is during State of Origin.
Cherry-Evans is contracted until the end of 2025, when he will be 36, and will be accommodated by Manly if he feels the urge to keep playing.
Before Cherry-Evans played his 200th game, this masthead asked the late, great Bob Fulton how “DCE” compared to the club’s great No.7s, including Des Hasler and Geoff Toovey.
Fulton said it was tough to compare eras, but “without a doubt Manly are in good hands with Daly”.
You have to wonder what Fulton would think of that debate now.
Cherry-Evans has no appetite to quit representative football – he captained Queensland to another Origin series win this year – and coach Anthony Seibold is convinced his halfback is “in career-best form”.
Sea Eagles teammates this week were in awe of Cherry-Evans’ ability to stay on the park.
“It took me seven seasons to play 100 games, so I can only imagine how hard it would be to play 300 games,” centre Brad Parker said.
Cherry-Evans’ family are expected to take part in Friday night’s jersey presentation in Wollongong.
Manly rake Lachie Croker will a play his 100th game, which is quite the achievement considering he has overcome three ruptured ACLs, including one when he was 14 and had to wait almost a year to have an operation as a public patient.
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