Injured Manly half-back Daly Cherry-Evans feels hooker Matt Parcell is the man to guide the team in his absence.
Scans yesterday confirmed Cherry-Evans will miss the next four weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain in the win over the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.
Whilst most of the focus will be on new five-eighth Dylan Walker being the main ball player, Cherry-Evans feels the time is right for Parcell to show his ability.
“I don’t think the whole responsibility will go on to Dylan. I think it is something the whole side will have to shoulder especially within our hooker, half, and full-back roles,’’ Cherry-Evans said.
“Brett Stewart will take a bit more onus on himself to lead us around.
“I also think it is a great chance for Matt Parcell to show what he is capable of. He has been solid for us the last couple of weeks.
“I think this will be an opportunity for him to again take his game to the next level.”
Cherry-Evans said the injury came at a time when the side was still ‘developing’ as players worked on the new combinations within the team.
“It is disappointing that I am not going to be able to help us grow as a side, but I know if I can work hard, watch some video, and keep involved with the side over the next month, hopefully I will be able to contribute as soon as I get back,’’ he said.
“The camaraderie amongst the players is good. It felt like the Manly of old the other night. Obviously our trials have been somewhat disrupted. I felt as though we didn’t really get a trial match in until round one.
“I think we have built off that nicely. We have shown some attributes that we are renowned for and if we can continue to do that, I think we are going to be in good stead and come away with a few more wins like that.”
Cherry-Evans remains upbeat about his injury setback.
“I’m not going to walk around with my head down. I am going to work hard to make sure I get back sooner,’’ he said.
“If I look after myself, keep icing it, and rest it, I am hopeful that I can be back earlier, but four weeks is likely.”
