Introduction: A blockbuster move lands at Bondi
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NRL offseason, Daly Cherry-Evans has officially joined the Sydney Roosters for the 2026 season. The Manly premiership winner, a veteran captain with a celebrated career, will bring his experience, leadership, and steady playmaking to Bondi as the Roosters reboot for the next chapter in their title pursuit.
Contract details and timing
While formal terms have not been disclosed in full, the announcement confirms Cherry-Evans will be part of the Roosters’ squad for 2026. The 36-year-old halfback has been linked with a late-career move for months, and the Roosters’ decision to pursue him signals a strategic shift toward experienced game management and playmaking versatility. For Cherry-Evans, the move offers a fresh environment to extend his influence and contribute to a club with a storied history in the modern era of the NRL.
Why the Roosters pursued Cherry-Evans
The Roosters have long valued a strong, controlled ball-playing presence at halfback, especially as they blend youth with veteran leadership. Cherry-Evans’s strengths — decision-making under pressure, leadership on the field, and a knack for orchestrating attacking sets — align with the Roosters’ emphasis on structure and execution. Coaches and fans alike anticipate that his experience will help accelerate the development of younger halves and provide a stabilizing presence in high-stakes matches.
Strategic fit for 2026
Beyond leadership, Cherry-Evans offers adaptability. He can guide a traditional game plan, but his experience also allows him to tailor attack against different opponents, a valuable asset during long NRL campaigns and finals series. His arrival is expected to influence how the Roosters manage load, rotation, and player development in the backline and halves.
Impact on the Roosters’ lineup
With Cherry-Evans joining, the Roosters’ spine could gain a new dimension. The combination of halves with a seasoned playmaker, plus a roster built around strong forward pressure and craft in attack, could unlock opportunities for outside backs and second-phase plays. Coaches will be keen to maximize his strengths, including precision kicking, smart short-side plays, and the ability to steer attacking sequences with calm leadership.
Reaction from Manly and the wider league
News of Cherry-Evans’s departure has stirred reactions across the league. Manly, where he spent a significant portion of his career and helped secure a premiership, will be navigating the loss of a captain and on-field conductor. For Roosters fans, the move is a statement of intent — a message that the club intends to push for immediate impact and sustained success in 2026 and beyond.
What this means for the 2026 season
The Cherry-Evans signing adds a powerful narrative to the NRL 2026 season. It raises expectations for the Roosters’ attack and leadership on the field, while also altering the dynamics of the competition as other clubs reassess their rosters and strategies. For supporters, the signing offers a compelling storyline: a seasoned champion joining a club with proven finals credentials, ready to chase another premiership.
Looking ahead: Cherry-Evans’s legacy and the Roosters’ path
As Cherry-Evans transitions to Bondi in 2026, the rugby league landscape will watch how his style integrates with the Roosters’ culture and what it sparks in their ongoing pursuit of success. If the past is any guide, his leadership “in the moment” could be the catalyst for a new era at the Roosters, one where experience complements emerging talent and the club’s championship ambitions remain front and center.
