A banner reading “Daly stay” was also unfurled by supporters in the parochial crowd of 17,286.
The veteran halfback wasted no time stamping his class on proceedings and was heavily involved from the outset.
He could have scored the opening try of the game in the eighth minute, screaming up in support, only for winger Jason Saab to finish it off in style himself with an in-and-away that beat Eels fullback Isaiah Iongi pointlessly.
Eight minutes later, the Sea Eagles were in again, on the opposite flank, through Hopoate.
A couple of Reuben Garrick penalty goals either side of half-time gave the home team a 14-0 advantage, but the winless Eels stuck bravely to their task.
Daly Cherry-Evans on the fly against Parramatta.Credit: Getty Images
They narrowed the deficit in the 56th minute when prop Joe Ofahengaue, appearing in his 200th top-grade game, crashed over from close range.
That just seemed to stir the Sea Eagles from their slumber, and tries from bench forward Corey Waddell (63rd minute) and centre Tolutau Koula (68th minute) left the Eels pondering their fourth successive defeat under rookie coach Jason Ryles.
A try from back-rower Shaun Lane in the dying seconds provided some consolation for the visitors.
The win lifted Manly to second on the points table and sets up a blockbuster clash with Melbourne on Sunday.
