Manly fans were told not to boo Daly Cherry-Evans for his return to Brookvale, but the footy gods had other ideas with a storm of biblical proportions smashing 4 Pines Park less than two hours before kick-off.
Wild weather was forecast, but no one could have predicted what lashed the northern beaches as torrential rain, non-stop lightning, booming thunder and cyclonic winds wreaked havoc.
Power went out at the stadium about 90 minutes before the match was set to begin as the tarp covering the pre-game band’s equipment was swept away to leave their instruments exposed.
It was impossible to see at one stage with the ground plunged in darkness, with the roof sounding like it was going to collapse at one stage under the weight of rain.
The 8pm kick-off could be delayed given there is a thick layer of rain on the surface, with player and crowd safety a major issue.
Despite the chaotic scenes unfolding in the hours before the contest, the storm passed with the game getting underway on time.
While Manly fans were urged not to boo Daly Cherry-Evans, NRL great James Maloney called for supporters to do the opposite.
Cherry-Evans opted to leave the Sea Eagles at the end of 2025 after bungled contract negotiations drove him to ink a deal with the Tri Colours for 2026.
And speaking on news.com.au’s The Extended Bench, Moloney said while he is a legend at the club, he is now the enemy and called on Manly fans to “come out boo him and give him grief” as he runs out for the Roosters.
“I am looking forward to seeing if he runs out to cheers or boos. I think you can respect what he’s done for the club but still boo him,” he said.
“I think mate you’re now the opposition. (The fans should) come out boo him and give him grief. After the game go well done mate good to see you back here at Brooky
“(But before full time) no one is here to be friends.”
