Cherries on the Move: A Major NRL Shift
In a move that will reverberate through the NRL landscape, Daly Cherry-Evans has officially signed with the Sydney Roosters for the 2026 season. The Manly premiership winner confirmed the switch after months of swirling speculation, ending a long chapter with the Sea Eagles and beginning a new era at Bondi. The 36-year-old halfback’s decision to join the Roosters signals a strategic shift for both clubs as they map out their plans for the mid- to late-2020s.
Why the Roosters Targeted Cherry-Evans
The Roosters have long prided themselves on recruiting experienced leaders who can steer a young forward pack and guide a developing squad. Cherry-Evans brings a wealth of representative experience, a measured game management style, and a fearless willingness to steer a team through high-pressure moments. For a club that has endured a turbulent period but remains hungry for silverware, his decision is about more than on-field talent—it’s about leadership, mentorship, and the cultural continuity that a seasoned skipper can provide.
A Strategic Fit for Bondi and Beyond
Bondi is not just a location; it’s a lighthouse for the Roosters’ brand and a hub of rugby league culture. Cherry-Evans’ arrival aligns with the club’s philosophy of pairing star power with practicality. While the Roosters have cultivated a squad built on speed, structure, and versatile halves, Cherry-Evans adds a different flavor: composure under pressure, a proven playmaking brain, and a calm tempo that can complement younger halves and allow them to grow into more expansive roles.
Impact on the 2026 Roosters
For the Roosters, Cherry-Evans represents more than a marquee signing. He is expected to share the load in guiding a squad that will include a mix of rising talents and seasoned veterans. Coaches will assess how to balance his game management with the Roosters’ preference for aggressive defense and dynamic ball movement. The expectation is that Cherry-Evans will become a central figure in attack, orchestrating sets, reading defensive lines, and providing a reliability factor when the team needs to close out tight matches.
What This Means for Manly
For Manly, the move closes a significant chapter. Cherry-Evans has been a cornerstone of the Sea Eagles’ success in recent years, including their 2011 and 2013 campaigns and the more recent premiership run that etched his name in the club’s history. Departures of veteran leadership can prompt a broader roster recalibration, giving opportunities to emerging playmakers and requiring the team to adapt their game plan to replace not only production but leadership on-field and in the locker room.
Official Confirmation and Next Steps
The Roosters confirmed the signing on Friday morning, with club officials framing the deal as a long-term investment in elite leadership and competitive edge. While contract details remain private, the move is widely viewed as a strategic cornerstone for the Roosters’ ambitions toward premiership contention in 2026 and beyond. Fans can expect a formal media briefing closer to the preseason, where Cherry-Evans may reveal his role within a larger tactical framework the club plans to implement.
A Fork in the Road for the NRL Landscape
Cherry-Evans’ transition adds another layer to a dynamic NRL offseason, where veteran players are weighing their options against the club’s futures. The ripple effects could influence recruiting priorities, salary cap planning, and the development pathways for young halves across the competition. As the 2026 season approaches, coaches and analysts will be watching how Cherry-Evans integrates with the Roosters’ system and how his leadership translates into wins on game day.
Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins
From a tactical standpoint, the Cherry-Evans signing is a bold statement by the Roosters and a poignant moment for Manly. It marks the end of one era and the dawn of another for one of rugby league’s most respected voices. For fans, it guarantees compelling theater at Bondi and across the NRL as the league contends with one of its most high-profile player moves in recent memory.
