"Everyone hates Manly - our backs are against the wall and we love playing that style of footy and living by that mentality,'' Cherry-Evans said.

"Des was a big part of that. I’m sure if he gets the opportunity to come back he will pick up right where he left off. I am very comfortable in understanding what it takes to prepare for a game now. Des’s experience, I’d be more than happy that I take everything on board from his years away at the club.

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"With such a rich history with his career at Manly, there is no denying he has the best interests of Manly at heart. It will be interesting to see it all unfold.

"Tim Sheens gave me an Aussie jersey, Mal Meninga Queensland and Dessie my first club jersey. Those three coaches are people I never forgot. If I was to link up with my first-ever first grade coach, I’d be all for it.

"Whoever the club decides to pick, I’ll make sure I dive right into it and enjoy whoever it is. I have no problem with the process the club is going through to find a new coach. I’m looking forward to whatever unfolds, if that is Des we have a bit of history there.''

Cherry-Evans has become frustrated with Manly being in the limelight for the wrong reasons.

The skipper and the Trbojevic brothers, Jake and Tom, are three reasons the Sea Eagles supporters will always live in hope - and the three simple reasons Hasler will find it easier returning home.

Cherry-Evans has developed into one of the finest leaders in the game during Hasler's seven-year absence from Brookvale.

There was no bad blood from Cherry-Evans when it came to Hasler's swift exit, which came on the back of claims he wanted other players and staffers to join him in his new post at the Bulldogs.

"I’ve made it very clear throughout my career I’ll never begrudge anyone for looking after themselves,'' said Cherry-Evans, who turned down the Gold Coast at the eleventh hour to sign a lifetime deal with Manly.

"It’s a cruel game we play and job security is certainly a thing that is very rare. For people to look after their own future is not a problem with me.''

While in Auckland there was a TV report suggesting prop Addin Fonua-Blake wanted out of the club, with the prop to face off against Cherry-Evans and the Aussies on Saturday.

Cherry-Evans said he had not spoken with Fonua-Blake, and praised his development.

"He has come on in leaps and bounds, and we saw what he has been capable of this season when he puts his mind to it,'' DCE said.

"There was certainly a lot of hard work that went into his season. If that’s the case I might have to pick up the phone to make sure he doesn’t leave.

"There is no denying he is a big human. I will have to do my best to get in front of him. He is hard to bring down.''