Veteran playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans has revealed his landmark move to the Sydney Roosters was only finalised two weeks ago, following his deeply emotional departure from the Manly Sea Eagles after 352 appearances.
Emotional Transition After Manly Era
Making his first official appearance for the Roosters on Thursday, the legendary halfback admitted feeling profoundly uncomfortable wearing another club's colours after spending his entire career with Manly. Cherry-Evans turns 37 in February and acknowledged throughout his fifteenth and final season with the Sea Eagles that retirement remained a genuine possibility.
The most-capped Sea Eagle in history explained there wasn't one single factor that convinced him to ink a one-year deal with the Roosters a fortnight ago. 'At different stages it was both (options that I was considering),' Cherry-Evans stated, referring to retirement versus continuing his career. 'I'm no spring chicken, so I wanted to really make sure that if I was going to go around again and put myself really out of my comfort zone, I wanted to make sure I can hold my end of the bargain up.'
Decision Process and Media Misconceptions
Cherry-Evans directly addressed media speculation about his prolonged transfer saga, insisting the pen hadn't actually touched paper until two weeks prior. 'I only signed, despite what you guys think, two weeks ago... I don't think you've actually really decided until you've put pen to paper,' he clarified.
The playmaker described his final goodbye to Manly teammates as 'really emotional' and rejected suggestions that his exit created division within the playing group. 'Because we didn't win, (my exit) became a distraction (to the media). I do feel like the narrative is sometimes pushed to fit the story. I believe you guys got it wrong with that one,' he asserted.
When questioned about former Manly chief executive Tony Mestrov's potential role in his departure, Cherry-Evans remained diplomatic. 'I don't think it's fair to put other people under the bus,' he stated, adding that discussions about what might have been at Manly would be inappropriate while wearing a Roosters jersey.
New Role and Team Dynamics
Despite being the most experienced halfback in premiership history, Cherry-Evans expressed openness about potentially playing five-eighth to accommodate Sam Walker retaining the number seven jersey. 'I'm not too fussed' about the specific position, he commented, demonstrating his team-first attitude.
Roosters captain James Tedesco, who himself re-signed through 2027 on Thursday, addressed concerns about Hugo Savala's position following Cherry-Evans' arrival. Tedesco expressed hope that Savala, a breakout star of the Roosters' 2025 campaign, would remain with the club long-term despite being displaced from the starting halves. 'He wants to stay at the club. He's a local junior. It's a great opportunity to learn off one of the great halves of our game,' Tedesco remarked.
Reflecting on his challenging decision, Cherry-Evans explained that observing the Roosters throughout the season gradually built his confidence about both the club's direction and his potential contribution. 'The longer it went, the more I got a chance to look and watch (the Roosters) and from there get more confidence. Not just in where I was going, but how I could help.'
Despite initial discomfort, Cherry-Evans concluded with optimism about his new chapter: 'But deep down really satisfied with the decision. I just know how much personal growth is going to be ahead of me this year. There's a lot to be excited about.'
