In a significant move that has sent shockwaves through the NRL, the Sydney Roosters have agreed on personal terms with veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans for a one-year deal, bringing the 36-year-old to the club for the coming season. Cherry-Evans, who has spent his entire career at the Manly Sea Eagles, will also take on a mentoring role, helping guide the Roosters’ young playmakers as part of the club’s broader development strategy.
Cherry-Evans officially informed Manly on Thursday that he had rejected their final offer – a two-year deal worth $1.4 million – effectively confirming that this season, his 15th in the NRL, will be his last at the Sea Eagles. Sources close to the player revealed that Cherry-Evans has been in ongoing discussions with Roosters head coach Trent Robinson, who has long been an admirer of the veteran halfback. Robinson is keen to add Cherry-Evans to his squad not only for his playing ability but also for his leadership and mentoring potential.
“I wanted to confirm I was leaving the club now, rather than making a call later in the season, so that we can get on with our goal of winning a premiership,” Cherry-Evans said in a statement, underlining his commitment to playing on beyond 2025, but now with a new team and a new challenge.
The Roosters’ pursuit of Cherry-Evans has been fueled by their desire to develop their young halfbacks, Sandon Smith and Sam Walker. Robinson has long spoken about the importance of having experienced players who can mentor the younger generation, and Cherry-Evans fits the bill perfectly. With a career spanning 333 NRL games, Cherry-Evans is the Sea Eagles’ most-capped player and one of the league’s most respected playmakers.
We have discussed it as it is business,” Robinson said when asked about Cherry-Evans’ potential move to the Roosters. “It’s pretty rare that a player like that comes on the market, especially at this time of the year. We have gotten some info, though, and decisions have been made as well.”
Cherry-Evans’ situation is reminiscent of the Roosters’ recruitment of Cooper Cronk back in 2017. That move, which saw the Roosters release Mitchell Pearce and sign Cronk, played a pivotal role in the club’s back-to-back premiership victories in 2018 and 2019. The Roosters are hoping that Cherry-Evans, with his wealth of experience and leadership qualities, can replicate that success and help guide the team to future glory.
Currently, the Roosters have Chad Townsend on a one-year deal, and Robinson has previously emphasized the need for mentors to guide their young talents. Smith and Walker, both highly touted young halfbacks, will benefit greatly from the presence of a player like Cherry-Evans, who has been at the pinnacle of the NRL for more than a decade.
“We’re pretty clear about the development of them and that doesn’t change. And we are headed on that path,” Robinson said. “We know which direction we’re headed. You do have to be aware of movement (on the market) and understanding all that, but a lot of things have got to happen.”
The Roosters are also in a strong position to integrate Cherry-Evans into the team, with both James Tedesco and Reece Robson on the books for next year, and both are managed by the same agency that represents Cherry-Evans. This connection further increases the likelihood of a smooth transition and a seamless fit within the club’s plans.
As the deal edges closer to official confirmation, the Roosters are shaping up to be one of the most intriguing teams in 2025, combining the experience of Cherry-Evans with their talented young playmakers and seasoned stars. With the addition of Cherry-Evans, the Roosters look set to bolster their quest for another NRL premiership in the coming seasons.
