After months of speculation, veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans is finally set to become a Sydney Rooster, ending one of the longest-running contract speculations in recent memory.
The agreement was reportedly reached months ago but kept under wraps to avoid backlash from Manly supporters as Cherry-Evans saw out his final year with the Sea Eagles.
The Roosters are expected to officially unveil Cherry-Evans at their Moore Park headquarters next week according to reports by CODE Sports, confirming what has been considered the NRL’s worst-kept secret for much of 2025.
The 36-year-old will join the Tricolours on a one-year deal believed to be worth around $600,000, with reports revealing a shock option for a further season depending on performance and team balance, along with the prospect of continuing in a coaching capacity.
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With the deal set to become official in November, the Roosters are wasting no time finalising paperwork and preparing his formal introduction, but the move is not without collateral impact.
His arrival is set to shake up the Roosters’ halves rotation, with young playmaker Hugo Savala now expected to explore his options elsewhere after a strong 2025 campaign and the prospect of being relegated to a bench role.
Savala played 21 games this season and was considered a long-term option in the halves, but the signing of Cherry-Evans to partner Sam Walker pushes the 23-year-old out of the starting mix for one to two seasons.
While the Roosters reportedly still want to retain Savala after nurturing him through their academy, they reportedly understand his desire to explore the market now that his role in the starting side is uncertain.
Another player to watch is young half Toby Rodwell, who has impressed in the lower grades and is viewed as a future NRL starter within the club’s system, and one the Roosters would also like to see take over in the future.
Cherry-Evans’ signing will coincide with head coach Trent Robinson’s return from overseas, where he has been assisting the French national side during their international campaign.
The timing means Cherry-Evans will likely join his new teammates as the Roosters return to pre-season training next week, giving him a full summer to settle into the squad.
For Cherry-Evans, the move marks the beginning of a new chapter after a stellar career at Manly, where he played over 300 games and became one of the club’s most decorated players.
After public frustration over contract talks with the Sea Eagles earlier this year, the veteran half made clear his intention to continue playing and take on a fresh challenge — one that could also open doors to a future coaching role.
For the Roosters, it’s another bold piece of recruitment, adding one of the game’s most experienced playmakers to a squad already stacked with talent as they look to return to premiership contention in 2026.
The club’s gamble on the experienced No.7 could come at a cost, but if Cherry-Evans brings his trademark leadership and control to a young and developing Roosters spine, it may prove to be a masterstroke.