GLADSTONE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 08: Daly Cherry-Evans reacts with Manly team mates during the round five NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Manly Sea Eagles at Marley Brown Oval on April 8, 2018 in Gladstone, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)
After dealing with Jackson Hastings and confirming the youngster would not be considered for selection in 2018, the Sea Eagles have now turned their attentions to star halfback Daly Cherry-Evans and his involvement in the incident.
The altercation between Hastings and Cherry-Evans was the last straw for Hastings, as he looks all be certain to never play for Manly again.
The pair reportedly began on the training track before continuing to a Gladstone strip club, only to then boil over and get psychical at the hotel the team were staying in, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Manly are reportedly considering fining and/or suspending Cherry-Evans, with chief executive Lyall Gorman set to oversee any and all punishments when he returns from New Zealand on Thursday night.
Despite strong reports saying players told coach Trent Barrett they didn't want to play with Hastings, prop Addin Fonua-Blake poured cold water on the rumours.
“That’s definitely not the case,” Fonua-Blake said told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“We’re all mates with Jackson and it’s unfortunate what happened to him.
“He’s a good bloke. To me, he’s a good bloke.
“I can’t speak on behalf of anyone else, [but] I’ve found him really good and it’s unfortunate what happened to him.”
Winger Brad Parker backed Fonua-Blake's comments, saying everyone at the club is a fan of Hastings'.
“I like Jackson, everyone likes Jackson, he’s a good kid. I’m not going to talk about it too much more,” Parker said.
“’Baz’ (Barrett) has talked to us and it’s not up to the playing [group] whatsoever, it’s all up to Baz.
“He’s talked about it and it’s his decision.
“We’ve talked about it and all we can do is play our best footy individually and as a team.”
Manly face Parramatta on Sunday afternoon at ANZ Stadium.