Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans waited until after full-time of his side's humiliating loss to Parramatta to inform his teammates he would be joining the Gold Coast Titans next season.
Cherry-Evans, who was far from his menacing best in the 42-12 loss against the Eels on Friday night, informed his teammates and club officials that he would be leaving the club at the end of this year after signing a four-year deal with the Titans believed to be worth almost $5 million.
Coach Geoff Toovey was unaware of the pending announcement before the match, admitting he was disappointed with the news that only compounded a tough night for the Sea Eagles.
"He just announced it to the boys after the game," Toovey said.
"It's disappointing but at least he's got his future settled and we can get on with playing some good football. We're very disappointed obviously but it gives some clarity around the matter and we can move forward ... He just wanted to make sure the players knew before it got out there.
"He didn't really want it to be out there now either. That's the type of bloke he is. He didn't want any fuss about it. He made sure he told his teammates first and wanted them to know his decision and understand his decision and hear it out of his mouth first."
Fullback Brett Stewart took some positives out of the announcement, saying the club could finally move on from all the speculation, albeit hopeful Kieran Foran would stay at Manly.
"It's obviously a big loss for the team and a big loss for the club but finally we can put it to bed and all the speculation can be ended for one of them," Stewart said.
"We still have one to go. We were hopeful of keeping both. It will be shattering to lose both but it is a business these days and they have to look after themselves and their families. Hopefully we can keep Fozza."
The attention will now turn squarely to Foran, who will have to weigh up strong interest from Canterbury and Parramatta before making a decision.
Cherry-Evans' departure means Manly will be able to throw the cheque book at the Kiwi five-eighth, with Toovey emphasising the importance of keeping his superstar play-maker.
"I don't know if it makes it any more important. It was always important. They are two players who both made their fame and fortune playing at the club. Foran's a local junior and Cherry has been here since he was a young boy, too.
"It's very disappointing to lose people who have come through the system and turned into fantastic players. They will continue to be great players. We were hopeful of keeping both but unfortunately we missed out on Cherry so we'll do our best to retain the other one."
Toovey is confident Cherry-Evans pending departure won't have a negative impact on the halfback's final season at the club.
"He's very focused on his football, so I think he'll bust his gut to really give everything to his fellow playing group and make sure he leaves with the trophy in his hand," Toovey said.
