Daly Cherry-Evans admits the idea of ending his career in the latest proposed US professional league is an attractive proposition.
The NRL’s visit to Allegiant Stadium on Saturday coincides with a new bid to set up a national domestic competition in North America, with Sea Eagles owner Scott Penn one of several potential investors.
“If Scott wants to get it rolling, I’m happy,” Cherry-Evans said when asked about reports he was being sought to play for a Penn-owned franchise.
“I obviously don’t have a heap of time left my rugby league career and I’m loving what’s happening with Manly at the moment.
But as you probably know, I’m very open-minded about contract stuff and where my career might end up.
Daly Cherry-Evans
“It’s nice for the owner of my current club pushing for an American opportunity and that’s an easy transition for me, isn’t it?"
The last proposed American league, the NARL, fell over two years ago when organisers could not meet financial promises made to the would-be franchises.
Cherry-Evans said a properly-funded competition would be popular with Australian players.
“It depends on your family situation, right?” he said.
“If you’ve got a super-young family that might be a tricky move whereas... for me right now I’ve got kids in primary school so it wouldn’t be a bad time to go and see the world, would it?
“I’m sure the single boys wouldn’t mind getting over here as well.”
Cherry Evans said teams would not be deliberately trying to entertain come the double-header on Saturday (local time).
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The Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs match kicks off at 1.30pm AEDT on Sunday, followed by the Broncos and Roosters at 3.30pm AEDT.
“I don’t think I’ve ever gone out there and thought ‘let’s make this a good game for the people sitting at home’,” Cherry-Evans said.
“We’re out there to win, it’s as simple as that.
“That bigger picture stuff I think happens naturally because of the product of the game. We have a great game and I think when it’s played at its best, its competitive best, that’s when that stuff optically looks after itself.”
Media was invited to a Sea Eagles training session yesterday and there was some concern that new signing Luke Brooks was training apart from the rest of the squad.
“I’m all good - (it’s) just something minor but I’m all good to go,” Brooks told reporters at the UFC Performance Institute.
Asked if he would say what the injury is, he said: “No.”
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Cherry-Evans offered: “He’s doing well. He’s certainly done enough to be fine this weekend. I don’t see him in any doubt. He’s been my roomie this week and he hasn’t spoken as if he’s not playing.
“I’m sure they’re just looking after him. He’s our new shiny toy and I’m sure they’re just putting him in cotton wool.”
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