After heavy thunderstorms briefly wiped out power at parts of Brookvale on Thursday evening, Cherry-Evans then received a chilly reception from sections of the crowd.
The 37-year-old's name was loudly booed as the Sydney Roosters' team list was read out, while he also copped jeers along with teammates as he ran out for the match.
The playmaker did not have a chance to touch the ball before Manly's first try, with Jason Saab breaking down field and sending Tom Trbojevic over after 30 seconds.
But once he did lay hands on it in the fourth minute, he was again given loud boos on each of his first touches.
Cherry-Evans was still being cheered for most of his last season at Manly, despite his high-profile announcement last March that he was leaving the club at season's end.
But the story was clearly different with Cherry-Evans' now in the red white and blue, after 352 games for the Sea Eagles.
The boos didn't stop the half handing his training shirt to one young Manly fan as he left the field after warm up.
Cherry-Evans' return came after it at one stage appeared the game may not start on time, following a heavy storm around 90 minutes before kick off.
Electricians worked fast to repair the big screen and speaker system, while the stadium's lights also went out during the storm.
So heavy were the wind and rain, a tarpaulin that was secured over a drum kit and speakers on the field was blown away, with debris also across the field.
There was no guarantee the match would continue uninterrupted, with play unable to proceed if there was lightning within 10 kilometres of the venue.
But while there were still regular bolts of lightning towards the coastline closer to kick off, teams were able to warm up on the field and were cleared to play.
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