After months of speculation, drama, and one of the most talked-about moves in modern NRL history, the Daly Cherry-Evans era at the Sydney Roosters is officially upon us — and the man himself has broken his silence in emphatic fashion!
DCE spoke publicly in Roosters colours for the very first time at the club’s official 2026 jersey launch, declaring he is in “the right place for exactly what I want.” After 352 games in the maroon and white of Manly — more than any other player in Sea Eagles history — Cherry-Evans has made the seismic leap to Bondi, and he is already sounding like a man reborn. 💪
“I’m very uncomfortable being in another club’s colours but deep down I’m really satisfied with the decision and I know how much personal growth is going to be ahead of me next year”.
Cherry-Evans said the challenge of stepping outside his comfort zone has excited him and given him “a new lease on life.” And when you consider what this bloke is bringing to Allianz Stadium — 205 games as Manly captain, 21 Tests, 26 State of Origin appearance.
The on-field picture is just as exciting. DCE will line up in the unfamiliar role of five-eighth, partnering the electric Sam Walker in the halves — a combination that has NRL fans across the country buzzing.
And captain James Tedesco couldn’t be more thrilled about what DCE brings beyond just his footy. “The thing you notice with halfbacks who have played for a long time is their communication and their clarity in the way they talk to the team,” Tedesco said. “Daly has already had a lot of conversations with Sam, who is enjoying having ‘Cherry’ there to bounce questions off.”
Tedesco has watched closely as Cherry-Evans has mentored the young crew, saying: “Sammy’s constantly asking Chez questions, all the halves are, picking his brain.”
And make no mistake — while embracing his mentoring role, DCE has been clear he will step aside if staying on would slow the development of the club’s emerging playmakers.
The 37-year-old may be in the twilight of his career, but there is nothing twilight about his intensity or his hunger. Cherry-Evans emphasised that his departure from Manly was handled respectfully, and that he was proud to stand as a Rooster while equally proud of what he built at the Sea Eagles over 15 extraordinary seasons.
Discussion about this post