He asked Cherry and he admitted it, why would he make it up ?
Daly confirmed that his manager requested the release, not him. Even the Telecrap confirms it :
"....can reveal Cherry-Evans' manager, Gavin Orr, lodged the request..."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...manly-sea-eagles/story-e6frexnr-1226299700218
All Daly has stated is that he is leaving the matter in the hands of his manager and that; Orr requested the release.
Some other noteable quotes from Orr for those who haven't looked into it :
""When Daly signed the (Manly) deal, no one wanted him. I tried to sell him to every club but the so-called geniuses in recruitment didn't want him."
""I think Daly should stay. It is in his best interest to stay with Kieran...."
Orr asking for a release is to be expected tbh. If Daly is released, and signs for club X on a huge contract = Orr receives a huge and instant commission. As opposed to : waiting until the offseason to sign a new deal, thus making poor Gavin wait for his 5% or whatever he's being over-paid.
Daly being released is much better deal for one of most merkinish agents out there than him staying put on less than $200K for another year. A deal or 'story' which has been drummed up by a first class cretin in Paul Kent.
Overall, I wouldn't read a whole lot into it. Manly have been negotiating and initiating deals (which is a good sign, especially considering the Hasler saga). Plus, the lad is still contracted until the end of 2013 ffs. It's not as if he has six months to go and the panic button is being readied.
So long as Manly have the following for the next 3-5+ years, I'll be happy :
1. B Stewart
6. Foran
7. Cherry-Evans
13. G Stewart
Having Watmough as a one -club player would be nice too. However, everyone else is replaceable.