Daly Cherry-Evans, the former Manly Sea Eagles captain and premiership winner, has officially signed with the Sydney Roosters for the upcoming 2026 NRL season. The confirmation came on Friday morning, ending months of speculation about Cherry-Evans’ future following a storied 15-season career at Manly, where he played a total of 352 games and secured a championship in his first season in 2011.
After failing to reach a new agreement with Manly earlier this year, Cherry-Evans has opted for a fresh start at Bondi. The contract is reported to be worth approximately $500,000, with an option for the halfback to extend his stay through 2027.
Friendship and Farewells
In a surprising twist, Cherry-Evans’ close friend, Kieran Foran, has returned to the Sea Eagles as part of their coaching team. Foran made a late attempt to persuade Cherry-Evans to remain with Manly, humorously suggesting a “backflip” to stay. “When we spoke, I said, ‘How about a backflip, Chez’, and he just laughed,” Foran recalled on Thursday. Despite these efforts, Cherry-Evans will don the Roosters’ iconic red, white, and blue jersey next season.
The addition of Cherry-Evans is expected to bolster the Roosters’ prospects as they aim for a premiership title. His experience as a representative player for both Queensland and Australia will be invaluable as the Roosters prepare for a competitive 2026 season.
Future Implications
Cherry-Evans’ arrival raises questions regarding the future of Hugo Savala, a promising local junior who enjoyed a breakout season in the halves. Savala is currently off contract at the end of 2026, and the team will need to assess how Cherry-Evans’ signing impacts his role within the squad.
As the NRL landscape shifts, the Roosters have positioned themselves as one of the favourites for next season, with Cherry-Evans at the helm. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how this pivotal move unfolds on the field.
