Cherry-Evans confirmed on Monday night he planned to leave Manly after this season, while leaning towards playing on next year.
The Sea Eagles have been quick to respond, offering Cherry-Evans a two-year deal worth close to $700,000 a season to keep him at Brookvale.
But regardless, Cherry-Evans' move has paved the way for other clubs to make a serious play for the 36-year-old, given his preference to play on next year.
If Cherry-Evans is to stay in Sydney, the Roosters, St George Illawarra and Canterbury could all loom as likely options.
But the Dolphins may hold the most serious appeal.
Cherry-Evans was born in Redcliffe and played his junior football with the club until his family moved to Mackay when he was 12.
His father Troy Evans played for the Redcliffe Dolphins in the BRL competition in the 1980s.
The romance of Cherry-Evans returning to play for the Dolphins is also compelling.
When the Dolphins put their bid document together to present to the NRL in 2023, they included an image of a six-year-old Cherry-Evans in a Dolphins kit to highlight that the Manly maestro was a product of the Redcliffe area.
Cherry-Evans also has obvious on-field appeal to the club as well.
Dolphins CEO Terry Reader views Cherry-Evans as the Peter Pan of rugby league, such is the star halfback's evergreen nature.
The club also knows it has a talent in Katoa, who has signed on with the Dolphins until the end of 2028.
And Cherry-Evans looms as the perfect mentor for the 21-year-old playmaker.
AAP understands the Dolphins held off on approaching Cherry-Evans until he had made a decision on whether of not he would play on, out of respect to the veteran.
But Cherry-Evans' comments on Monday night are set to open the door for that approach.
Speaking on 100% Footy, Cherry-Evans said he would knock back Manly's two-year offer and take his time to consider his next options.
"I'm definitely not looking to make a decision any time soon," he said.
"I completely understand the media are going to speculate all they want. But I have no intention in engaging in something any time soon.
"If I was to play Origin this year, that would be the priority as well.
"I get that the speculation is going to be there. But it was really important to me that (Manly) could move on. I didn't want anyone to think I was holding them to ransom.
"I am open to walking away and calling it a day. But there is so much love and passion for the game of footy.
"So if I can keep going I want to keep going."
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