“Eyebrows have been raised” over the terms of Daly Cherry-Evans’ Roosters deal for next season after it was revealed the star half will be taking a significant pay cut at his future club.
The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield has reported that the Manly halfback is taking a pay cut of about $250,000 to join the Roosters, agreeing to a $500,000 deal in 2026.
In addition to half a million dollars, a new car will also be included in the deal.
In another surprise, it has been reported that it was Cherry-Evans’ camp who approached the Roosters about a potential union.
That development coupled with the reported value of the Roosters’ deal gives a clear indication into just how eroded Cherry-Evans’ relationship with Manly brass became.
Rothfield discussed the salary development on the Big Sports Breakfast radio show, and why he thinks Cherry-Evans picked the Roosters as his preferred destination.
“A lot of people are raising their eyebrows at this and saying why would he knock back $750,000 from Manly and take $500,000 at the Roosters,” Rothfield said.
“How will the NRL allow this contract to go through? Well it’s a bit like Ben Hunt at the Broncos. He went from a million at the Dragons to $450,000 at the Broncos in the back end of his career as he wanted a change.
“I think he’s going to the Roosters for stage two of his career. Play a year then learn to coach under Trent Robinson.
“I think he felt he was disrespected at Manly and he wanted a clean break and a fresh start.
“The $500,000 contract is legitimate. Nick Politis is going to throw in a car as well.”
Speculation around Cherry-Evans’ future has heightened in recent weeks due to the halfback’s indifferent form and the fact no deal with the Roosters has been made official.
However, unless Cherry-Evans decides to retire, he will be wearing Roosters colours in 2026.
The 36-year-old celebrated his 350th game on Saturday, turning back the clock with a stellar performance in his side’s 58-30 win to keep the Sea Eagles’ slim finals hopes alive.
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