Daly Cherry-Evans’ future has been under the microscope after the Sea Eagles’ ugly slide virtually out of finals contention in 2025.
However, according to the star halfback’s camp, the 36-year-old won’t be hanging up the boots and instead will proceed with his original plan to sign with the Roosters.
Cherry-Evans is reportedly set to put pen to paper on a one-year deal before moving into the club’s coaching ranks, moving on after 15 years at Brookvale Oval.
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However, rumours circulated the Roosters were getting cold feet regarding the move before rugby league journalist Ben Dobbin put those claims to bed.
“There’s been a lot of talk about Daly Cherry-Evans in the 2025 season, well-documented that he won’t be playing for Manly next year. All roads have been pointing to the Roosters,” he said on Triple M.
“There’s been calls in different circles for Daly Cherry-Evans to retire at the end of the season. I can tell you, at this stage, that definitely will not be happening.
“Daly Cherry-Evans plans on playing in 2026 and will be at the Sydney Roosters.
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“There has been no deal signed; so, talk that there has been a contract or a deal done is not right.
“I have spoken to Daly Cherry-Evans’ camp today, and at this stage, they are 100 per cent playing on next year.
“They are hopefully going to do a deal with the Sydney Roosters. There are no other clubs chasing Daly Cherry-Evans other than the Sydney Roosters.”
Speaking on NRL360, The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield called for Cherry-Evans to end his career instead of taking up a deal with the Roosters.
He pointed to the emergence of young gun Hugo Savala, who is currently on a development deal for the 2025 and 2026 seasons worth around $80,000.
The talented playmaker, who has partnered Sam Walker in recent weeks, is earning a fraction of Cherry-Evans will likely be handed when signing on.
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Rothfield was of the belief that it would be a bad look to knock him out of the side after an impressive debut campaign.
“I’m really worried now about the Cherry-Evans situation at the Roosters,” Rothfield said on NRL 360 on Monday night.
“I want to start off by saying I hate seeing champions and great players struggle at the back end of their careers and not knowing the appropriate finish line.
“I would love to see Cherry-Evans right now consider retirement. Retire as a one-club champion (and) legend at the Manly Sea Eagles.
“Don’t go to the Roosters. It’ll cost him a few bob. Don’t go there and knock a young local junior who is on 80 grand out of the Roosters side.
“I think PR wise it’d be a much wiser decision for Cherry-Evans to pull up. I just don’t think he’s playing well enough and next year, at 37 years of age.”
