- Club confirmed decision was made on Monday
Manly Sea Eagles chief executive Tony Mestrov has shocked the NRL by resigning, closing a turbulent chapter in one of the club’s most chaotic seasons in recent memory.
The shock decision comes just weeks after long-time captain Daly Cherry-Evans revealed he would leave the club following a breakdown in contract negotiations that played out publicly throughout the year.
After months of speculation about internal divisions and player unrest, Manly confirmed on Monday morning that Mestrov and the club had mutually agreed to part ways after an extensive post-season review.
Chairman Scott Penn declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding the exit, but insiders say the decision follows a tense period of boardroom disagreements and dissatisfaction over the handling of key player contracts.
Mestrov, a former Manly forward who was appointed chief executive in 2022, had been under mounting pressure after a year dominated by headlines about Cherry-Evans’s future and the team’s inconsistent on-field performances.
The Sea Eagles began the 2025 NRL season with high hopes of returning to finals contention, but injuries, internal disputes, and the mid-year announcement of Cherry-Evans’s departure proved too much for the club to overcome.
Manly Sea Eagles chief executive Tony Mestrov has resigned from the Northern Beaches club
It comes after a turbulent season for Manly that saw long-time stalwart Daly Cherry-Evans walk away from the club
Despite flashes of brilliance and strong home performances at 4 Pines Park, Manly ultimately finished 10th on the ladder, missing the finals by just two points and falling victim to costly losses against lower-ranked teams.
Tensions between the playing group and management escalated in March when Cherry-Evans publicly rejected a contract extension offer during a television appearance, calling it a ‘low-ball offer’ that showed a lack of respect.
The fallout from that saga lingered all season, with several senior players reportedly disillusioned by the club’s direction and communication from its leadership team.
Mestrov had been credited with stabilising Manly’s finances and expanding its sponsorship portfolio, but his relationship with key football department staff and the board deteriorated over the past six months.
Sources close to the Sea Eagles said the decision for Mestrov to depart was finalised over the weekend after a series of frank discussions about the club’s strategic direction heading into 2026.
Coach Anthony Seibold, who is contracted for next season, said the leadership change would not derail preparations for what he described as a crucial rebuild phase.
‘We’ve had a tough year on and off the field,’ Seibold said.
‘But we’re determined to restore some stability and make sure the club’s next chapter is built on unity and performance.’
Manly will need to rebuild without their CEO and halfback for next season after Mestrov’s decision
Manly’s search for a new chief executive will begin immediately, with the board expected to appoint an interim replacement in the coming weeks to manage off-season operations.
Among the early names being floated are several experienced administrators from within the NRL system, though no official shortlist has been confirmed.
The leadership vacuum comes at a delicate time for the Sea Eagles, who must also manage the transition to a new halfback combination after Cherry-Evans’s 15-season tenure at the club.
The veteran playmaker’s move, likely to the Sydney Roosters, leaves a significant hole in Manly’s roster and leadership group, amplifying the importance of stable management in the months ahead.
