Daly Cherry-Evans officially joins the Sydney Roosters for 2026
Manly premiership winner Daly Cherry-Evans has officially signed with the Sydney Roosters, confirming a major off-season move that will shape the NRL landscape ahead of the 2026 season. After months of speculation, the Roosters announced on Friday that the 36-year-old playmaker will be part of Bondi’s rugby league project next year, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to a club famed for its high standards and competitive edge.
What the signing means for the Roosters
Cherry-Evans’ arrival adds a veteran presence to a squad that has consistently competed at the top level. As a seasoned halfback with a knack for directing the attack under pressure, he is expected to mentor younger playmakers within the Roosters’ system and help reinforce the club’s strategic game plan. The move signals an intention to balance youth with elite experience, potentially shifting the Roosters’ on-field decision-making in high-stakes moments.
The leadership dimension
Throughout his career, Cherry-Evans has been praised for his leadership both on and off the field. At the Roosters, he is likely to play a pivotal role in guiding emerging stars and ensuring the team maintains composure during crunch periods. His approach to preparation, tactical awareness, and ability to manage game tempo could complement the Roosters’ existing coaching philosophy and help translate practice-room lessons into match-day execution.
Impact on the playing roster
With the 2026 season on the horizon, Cherry-Evans’ addition could influence the Roosters’ backline structure and halves pairing. Club officials will be weighing how his ball-playing style integrates with current half options and whether he slots into a traditional playmaking role or assumes a different creative duty. Either way, his decision-making under pressure will be tested against some of the league’s most dynamic attacking outfits, adding another layer of preparation for the Roosters’ game plan.
From Manly to Bondi: a fresh chapter
Leaving Manly, where Cherry-Evans helped deliver a premiership triumph, marks a significant transition in a long and storied career. The move to the Roosters underscores his ongoing drive to compete at the highest level and to contribute his expertise to a team with a storied recent history of success. Fans across the NRL will be watching to see how his experience translates into Roosters’ performance chemistry as the squad builds toward 2026.
Looking ahead: expectations and fan reaction
Reaction to the signing has been mixed among supporters, with many praising the tangible upside of a week-in, week-out winner who knows what it takes to lift a team under pressure. Critics, meanwhile, will keep an eye on how the 36-year-old tailors his game as the league evolves, particularly with the increasing pace of matches and the evolving role of halves play. If Cherry-Evans maintains his level of influence and remains adaptable, he could help the Roosters sustain their title-contending ambitions into 2026 and beyond.
Conclusion
The official confirmation of Daly Cherry-Evans joining the Sydney Roosters for the 2026 season marks a significant milestone for the club and a notable chapter in the player’s enduring career. As the countdown to the new season begins, fans, analysts, and opponents will be keen to see how this veteran leadership translates into results at Bondi and how the Roosters’ roster will evolve around a player known for his poise under pressure.
