Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans has admitted his “comfort” with veteran teammate Kieran Foran helped the pair gel instantly last season upon Foran’s return to the club.
The oft-injured Kiwi returned to the Sea Eagles after five years in the wilderness and made 25 appearances in 2021, his most since the 2013 season, as the side finished the home and away season in the top four on the NRL ladder. He was rewarded with a contract extension after a terrific return season.
Foran’s return saw the reunion of the halves combo that won Manly’s last premiership in 2011, and Cherry-Evans admitted he was instantly comfortable playing alongside his old mate.
READ MORE: Why Shane Warne only took an ice bath once
READ MORE: PGA Tour boss takes swipe at Phil Mickelson over $3 billion farce
READ MORE: Historic Pakistan-Australia Test ends in shambles
“I really enjoy having him out there. It’s definitely a comfort for me knowing ‘Foz’ is out there,” he told 2GB’s Wide World of Sports.
“Our games have changed and developed over the years, but we just have that real love for the game.
“Like we’ve said before, we don’t care where the footy goes, as long as it’s going the right way, that’s all that matters.
“We’re very like-minded when it comes to our footy, we talk a lot of it, we live and breathe it.
“It was such a natural thing for him to just come back and to play No.6, and he’s come back and found a (new) lease on life.
“He’s just looked after his body and got a lot of love from the club and with that comes a really happy mindset and he’s a competitor so he’s gone out there and put together a really strong season and I dare say he’ll be one of our better players again this year.”
While another premiership is definitely on Cherry-Evans’ to-do list this season, there is also a personal goal: a spot on Mal Meninga‘s Kangaroos squad for the Rugby League World Cup at the end of the year.
“I definitely want to be a part of it,” he said.
“I know there’s so much hard work to go into this season and a lot of footy to be played, but as always, I’m going to make sure I’m backing myself to get there.
“It’s a goal and it’s a part of my plans for this season, but nothing is given in this game.
“Hopefully as a side, both Queensland and Manly, we’re putting our best foot forward and winning games because that always helps towards selection, and hopefully I’m having a big impact on those wins this season this year.”