Brad Shields is in hot demand by New Zealand Rugby and English Rugby
Manly-Warringah captain Daly Cherry-Evans has been slapped with a $10,000 fine from the club after undisclosed incidents involving Sea Eagles teammates.
The club released a statement earlier today stating that they had completed a review of incidents that occurred during the team's trip to Gladstone for the round five matchagainst the Gold Coast Titans.
The Sea Eagles club CEO Lyall Gorman said that for his involvements in the incident, Cherry-Evans was handed the fine.
"Daly has unreservedly accepted the Club's findings and sanction and has taken full responsibility for his involvement in these matters,'' said Club CEO, Lyall Gorman.
"The incidents that unfolded in Gladstone fall massively short of our Club's expectations, culture and values and are regrettable in the extreme.
"They in no way reflect what we stand for and have let our Club, our playing group, our corporate partners, our members, supporters, and our community at large down.
"While we must move on and focus on the season ahead, we will continue to work intensely with all members of our playing group and management to ensure that the lessons of these incidents serve as an absolute reminder of the responsibilities and accountabilities that are incumbent upon all involved in our Club, on and off the field," Gorman said.
Manly prodigy Jackson Hastings demoted after bust-ups with Daly Cherry-Evans
Jackson Hastings celebrates with the crowd after victory over South Sydney Rabbitohs. Photo / Getty Images
Jackson Hastings will likely spend the rest of the season in reserve grade after Manly coach Trent Barrett admitted ongoing drama surrounding the young NRL prodigy was a ticking time bomb.
Barrett took it upon himself to call a snap press conference before Sea Eagles training on Wednesday, taking full ownership over the decision to relegate the 22-year-old back to feeder-club Blacktown.
The Sea Eagles coach also admitted there had been two separate incidents between Hastings and captain Daly Cherry-Evans earlier this month in Gladstone, before Sea Eagles officials made the call to separate the youngster from the group.
The decision to drop Hastings, who was considered a front-runner for the Manly No.6 jersey at the start of the pre-season, is a crucial one given the Sea Eagles' current roster.
Manly have just 24 players available and fit for Sunday's clash with Parramatta, including Hastings.
They also lack adequate back up in the halves and at hooker where Hastings has previously played for the Sea Eagles.
But after the events of Gladstone, Barrett indicated he had very little choice but to make the call.
"We've spoken to Cherry and we were all there at training and saw what happened," Barrett said.
"It was a culmination of a lot of little nit-picking along the way, and something we've been trying to avoid for a while.
"If it wasn't Cherry it was going to be someone else. It just happened to be our highest-profile player.
"I think Cherry has gone back to clear the air back at the hotel after the game. As far as we are aware there was another heated argument. That's as far as we're aware of."
