In a short time as CEO, Manly's Tony Mestrov has built a reputation as a fair but tough negotiator. He eyeballed Des Hasler and oversaw his departure from the club, eased Josh Schuster out of the joint and was pivotal in Scott and Kristie Fulton moving on. Mestrov also stood firm when there was pressure on him last year to rush a contract extension for coach Anthony Seibold. He put talks on ice while the 2024 campaign played out. Seibs eventually got his extra couple of years but was made to work for it. As a local junior who played front-row for the Sea Eagles, Mestrov is club first and anything but a pushover. Which brings us to the delicate topic of Daly Cherry-Evans. There has been plenty of discussion over whether the veteran halfback will kick on next year and perhaps even into 2027. Or he may retire at season's end. No one really knows at this stage. As is his way, DCE is keeping his cards close to his chest. But Mestrov possesses an equally good poker face. While totally respectful of Cherry-Evans' contribution to the club, Mestrov won’t let emotion dictate the biggest call Manly's had to make since signing the No.7 to an eight-year deal in 2015. The likes of Andrew Johns can rant and rave all they like over the club's supposed "disrespectful" negotiation tactics towards a possible DCE extension. It won't make any difference. Mestrov is not looking for a fight but won’t back away from a "take it or leave it" ultimatum if it comes down to it.
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