Cherry-Evans, now captain of the Sea Eagles, broke into the NRL in 2011.

The halfback helped Manly win the grand final in his rookie season but later he would fall out with club veterans Glenn and Brett Stewart.

The divide dominated the headlines and the Sea Eagles' side that reached the 2013 grand final was soon broken up.

Cherry-Evans said he lost enjoyment playing rugby league because of the divide.

"It was uncomfortable at times to go to training," he told NRL.com.

"There's nowhere to hide when you're playing a team sport. In hindsight, we probably should have been men and spoken about our emotions and how we felt about each other and tried to sort it out.

"But probably all of our pride got in the way there and as men do you put your walls up and deal with it the best way possible.

"Regardless of who liked who, we get paid to do a job. It's one of the things in rugby league I really admire is how grown men could put aside a difference and go out there to make more than just themselves happy.

"Despite how awkward it may have been for me in a couple of relationships, whenever we crossed that line out there at Brookie Oval it was business."

Cherry-Evans admitted the rift played a factor in his decision in 2015 to agree to join the Gold Coast, a decision he later back-flipped on to stay with Manly.

He believes the expeirence of that split in the team has made him a better leader.

"Undeniably," the 29-year-old said.

"Everything happens for a reason. My maturity, my approach to footy, my approach to my teammates has all changed.

Cherry-Evans is confident the Sea Eagles will be premiership challengers in the next couple of seasons.

"I geniunely believe our premiership window is starting to open again," he said.

"Over the next couple of things I'd like to think we're going to be there on grand final day and really give this club something to be proud of again."