Three days after publicly announcing this year would be his last at Manly, Cherry-Evans officially knocked back a last-ditch offer from the Sea Eagles on Thursday.
The 36-year-old has said he is leaning towards playing elsewhere, with the Sydney Roosters favourites for his signature and the Dolphins interested.
North Queensland and Cronulla on Friday became the latest clubs to downplay the prospect of signing Cherry-Evans after Canterbury, Penrith, St George Illawarra, Brisbane, South Sydney and Wests Tigers bowed out earlier in the week.
"We're invested with what we've got here and if he wants to come, it'll be for a pay cut and I don't know whether that's going to happen," Cowboys coach Todd Payten said.
Cherry-Evans insists he remains committed to winning a premiership at Manly, but there is immediate interest in how he will be received at Brookvale.
In vastly different circumstances, Parramatta five-eighth Dylan Brown was booed by Parramatta fans this month after opting to leave the Eels for Newcastle.
But Manly players are hopeful that won't be the case when they face the Eels on Sunday.
"I would be disappointed if that did happen," centre Reuben Garrick said.
"He's been such a great servant for the club, 15 seasons here ... Even just in the playing group as well for us leadership wise.
"There are so many good things that he has done for the club."
Cherry-Evans' likely successor as captain, Jake Trbojevic, did not expect it to be an issue.
"I don't think Manly fans would boo one of their own players at home. Especially the way things have been going the past few years," he said.Â
Beyond Sunday, Manly now enter one of the most challenging transition periods in the halves of any club this century.
No player in the game's history has played more matches in a team's No.7 jersey, with Cherry-Evans on course to rack up 350 by the end of this season.
Teenagers Joey Walsh and Onitoni Large are viewed as long-term successors, but neither are expected to be ready for next year.
Walsh in particular has insiders raving about the former Wallabies U18s captain's kicking game.
But it is Manly's goal to have him first play against men in NSW Cup this year, after a bout of glandular fever set him back during the summer.
One option is Jamal Fogarty, who will become a free agent next month if Canberra do not activate an extension in his deal within the next fortnight.
Kieran Foran, Adam Reynolds, Toby Sexton and Chad Townsend headline the list of other off-contract halves, but the former has ruled out a return to Manly.
The other alternative seriously being considered by the club is moving Tom Trbojevic to five-eighth to partner Luke Brooks, allowing Lehi Hopoate to wear No.1.
Trbojevic is already considered an attacking organiser by some at Brookvale and would slot onto the right edge where he has previously played centre.
That would allow Manly to use the money freed up by losing Cherry-Evans on more back-row depth and young talent in the outside backs.
The Sea Eagles would then eye 2027 as the chance to make a big splash in the market, armed with more money once salary-cap pressures ease.
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