And just like he did against South Sydney back in round four this year at Brookvale Oval. Then again in round 21 last year to break the hearts of Cronulla fans. As a player you want those big moments - you grow to love those big moments. Daly-Cherry-Evans In fact, of the last seven field goals Cherry-Evans has kicked, five of them have been the difference in extra time. "That game against the Warriors I just remember there was no expectation on us to win because we were down by seven with only a few minutes to go, and all I had to do was stick to my guns and stay calm," Cherry-Evans said. "I kicked two that night. And I did that by being clesar on what I needed to do. I've done that since. Having been in those situations so many times now makes it easier.

"I enjoy being that person for the team. Daly Cherry-Evans kicks the winning drop goal last weekend against the Storm. Credit:AAP "I remember 'Walkz' [Dylan Walker] nearly kicked the winner last week. Another two inches to the left and he wins the game for us. "But I remember I was also calling for the ball. I wanted the ball. That's important. As a player you want those big moments - you grow to love those big moments." The wild celebrations in the middle of AAMI Park after 90 thrilling minutes was just reward for Cherry-Evans.

Only a few weeks earlier he had tears well in his eyes as he stood in the middle of ANZ Stadium on a Saturday afternoon after a tough one-point loss to South Sydney. A few days earlier he had to put up with a similar heartbreaking defeat against NSW. "That day I was completely exhausted - physically, mentally and emotionally," Cherry-Evans said. "Wednesday night hurt a lot. You could see it on all our faces. "But to come back to the same place, and to be down by the same scoreline with four minutes to go, it was really draining. Daly Cherry-Evans and the Sea Eagles are within striking distance of a top-four spot. Credit:AAP "To come away empty handed again, twice in four days, it was really deflating.

"On the way home, Des [Hasler] could see I was really flat. He said, 'try to get away with your family out of town', so we did. We went up to the Gold Coast for a few nights, I didn't think about footy, didn't watch any of it, and just enjoyed my time with my family. "Once you have something that levels you out like kids it puts what you're doing into perspective. We play a game. But it's also my job and a job I take very seriously. "It does affect your mood, I'm still learning how to [deal] with that, and I can digest a loss a lot quicker now. Whenever you have a loss it motivates you more to win for the next time. "That's been the case this year. The fire in the belly burns more than ever to get success at this club." Few gave the Sea Eagles a hope at the start of the season, especially after a deflating 2018 and with the returning Hasler expected to take at least 12 months to settle back into the northern beaches.

Loading Should they defeat the Newcastle Knights at Brookvale on Manly Old Boys' Day on Saturday afternoon, a top-four finish will be on their radar. Cherry-Evans said the win over the Storm had done nothing to change his expectations for this year. He's always set the bar high. Who wouldn't when you've got the Trbojevic brothers, two of the most in-form props in the game with Addin Fonua-Blake and Marty Taupau, not to mention the best halfback in the game. "If we really want to take ourselves seriously, we can't get complacent and can't have any off games, which is something we were guilty of earlier this year," Cherry-Evans said. Tom Trbojevic praised Cherry-Evans' calmness under pressure and his ability to continually find the winners when the games were on the line.

"That's why he's paid the big bucks," Trbojevic said. Loading Sea Eagles fans will be now wondering what kind of big bucks it will take for Tom anbd his brother Jake to stay put. Depending on who you talk to, a deal could be completed in a matter of weeks. Others suggest Manly have not even come close to tabling an offer. Canterbury fans are hoping their club can cobble together a multi-million dollar package and lure the brothers to the suburbs. "I'd never begrudge a player for wanting to look after themselves with a contract, which is exactly what I did," Cherry-Evans said. "I'm so happy because I made a decision I knew was best for me and my family, and it's not just about money but lifestyle and team environment. Those three things weighed heavily on my mind.