Cherry-Evans this week baulked at claims his coach Trent Barrett was under pressure following Manly’s woeful start to 2017.

“I don’t watch the news, I don’t read papers, it’s not my problem,” Cherry-Evans said.

“He’s got my support and I don’t think there’s much more I can do or say to add to it.

“I find it pretty comical. I can’t comprehend why the coaches are under so much scrutiny in the game.”

Tallis slammed Cherry-Evans’ comments and said it was up to him to turn the team’s fortunes around.

“He can change it, he can take the pressure off (Barrett) by playing good,” Tallis said.

“That’s a young guy that’s got a 10-year deal who doesn’t really care, because he can’t get moved on because he’s going to get all of his money.

“That’s what I saw, I saw a young kid who doesn’t really care what coach comes in because I’m here for 10 years and I’m going to stay here whether you like it or not.”

The former Maroons half has been struggling since signing a life-time $10 million deal.

Tallis said Cherry-Evans had to inject himself into games and turn Manly’s form around.

“He’s got to make it his own team,” Tallis said.

“I know you get paid for whatever they think you are worth, but if you’re getting a million dollars for a 10-year deal you’ve got to make that club yours, you’ve got to make that team yours.

“He’s not playing good.

“Against Parramatta in round one the game was on the line and Manly were coming back, he didn’t go in to get the ball, he did not touch the ball on a set of six.

“I don’t know another halfback that wouldn’t want the ball in his hands, that wouldn’t want to make a difference.”