Roosters coach Trent Robinson said he has not asked Daly Cherry-Evans directly to tell him all of Manly’s “secrets” ahead of Thursday’s game, declaring it would not be “right”.
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The Roosters veteran comes up against his former teammates for the first time, while the game also doubles as his return to 4 Pines Park.
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Given Cherry-Evans’ familiarity with both Manly’s players and coach Anthony Seibold, it would make sense for the Roosters to take advantage of the 37-year-old’s intel.
Robinson said there were certain pieces of information the Roosters would take advantage of, but made it clear he would not be pressuring Cherry-Evans to divulge everything.
“It’s a real balance… I never like to ask, ‘Rightio tell me all the secrets’. I don’t think that’s right,” Robinson said.
“I don’t apply pressure like that. But any cues you can give about ground or an opposition player you’re facing, if there’s any benefit there then he can offer that.
“But you definitely don’t ask for the playbook. That’s not the right thing to do. He’s been pretty clear on what can be an advantage for us.”
Former Roosters and Storm premiership winner Cooper Cronk told foxsports.com.au earlier in the week he was looking forward to what he expects to be a “chess game” on Thursday night, given both sides have inside information they can draw on.
While Cherry-Evans’ intel is arguably more valuable, there is still something to be said about Manly also knowing the ins and outs of the 37-year-old’s game.
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“It’s a contradiction because you’ve got great relationships, you have that much respect for everyone involved in the club… but then you’ve also got a job to do,” Cronk said.
“It’s a contradiction from a football performance (point of view) because you know the ins and outs, so Daly will know the strengths and weaknesses of Manly, the way they play, Seibold, Turbo, Jake… but then on the flipside they will know all the strengths and weaknesses of Daly.
“It’ll end up being a game of chess. Who can outsmart who and who can implement the game plan most. There will be absolutely no secrets held back.
“Daly will say what he thinks about Manly because it’s his opportunity to win and Manly will do the same. As a spectator, I’m super interested to see how the first 20 to 30 minutes play out because I think you’ll see the hand or card being played by both sides.”
Manly coach Anthony Seibold, meanwhile, told reporters on Thursday that it is “easier said than done” to “shut down” Cherry-Evans.
“One of his great attributes is how well he reads the game,” Seibold added.
“He certainly plays what he sees. He’s got a fantastic kicking game. He brings a lot of threat.
“The Roosters have a lot of talent… and Chez is a really talented player. We’ve spoken about what we can try and do to mitigate what he does, but it is easier said than done.”