In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NRL community, the terms of Daly Cherry-Evans' proposed deal with the Sydney Roosters for the 2026 season have come to light, revealing a package that is both surprising and telling. The 36-year-old Manly Sea Eagles halfback, a stalwart of the league and one of its most recognizable faces, is reportedly set to join the Roosters on a significantly reduced salary—one that is raising eyebrows across the rugby league landscape.
According to multiple reports, including revelations from The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield, Cherry-Evans is prepared to accept a $500,000 contract for the 2026 season. This figure is not only well below the previously rumored $800,000 offer but is also less than what Manly reportedly put on the table to retain their long-serving playmaker. The deal is sweetened by the inclusion of a new car, courtesy of the Roosters’ sponsor BYD, but the overall package still represents a substantial pay cut for a player of Cherry-Evans’ stature.
What’s even more intriguing is the manner in which this potential union came about. It has been widely reported that it was Cherry-Evans’ own camp who reached out to the Roosters to explore the possibility of a switch. This proactive approach, combined with the willingness to accept a lower salary, points to a relationship with Manly’s upper management that has, by all accounts, grown increasingly strained. Industry insiders suggest that the erosion of trust and rapport between Cherry-Evans and the Sea Eagles’ brass may have been the catalyst for these negotiations.
Speculation regarding Cherry-Evans’ future has only intensified in recent weeks. His form on the field has been described as indifferent, and the absence of any official confirmation from the Roosters has done little to quell the rumors. As it stands, unless the veteran halfback opts for retirement, it appears all but certain that he will don the famous Roosters tricolor in 2026. Still, fans and pundits alike are left waiting for an official announcement, with the player himself yet to publicly declare his intentions for next season.
The financial details of the proposed contract have also had ripple effects within the Roosters’ organization. The cut-price nature of Cherry-Evans’ deal is expected to free up critical salary cap space, enabling the club to re-sign emerging halfback Hugo Savala on an extended deal. This strategic move could secure the Roosters’ playmaking stocks for the foreseeable future, blending the experience of Cherry-Evans with the youthful promise of Savala—a combination that many believe could be pivotal in the club’s pursuit of future success.
Interestingly, the Roosters’ own fortunes on the field have been mixed as the regular season draws to a close. On Saturday night, the team suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of Parramatta, going down 30-10. The loss has thrown the Roosters’ top eight aspirations into doubt, as the competition for finals spots heats up. For a club with such high expectations, the pressure is mounting, and the addition of a seasoned campaigner like Cherry-Evans could be just what the doctor ordered as they look to steady the ship in the coming years.
Meanwhile, Cherry-Evans himself enjoyed a personal milestone over the weekend, celebrating his 350th NRL game. The veteran turned back the clock with a stellar performance, steering the Sea Eagles to a commanding 58-30 victory—a result that keeps Manly’s slim finals hopes alive. The achievement is a testament to Cherry-Evans’ durability and class, with the 36-year-old continuing to deliver on the big stage even as speculation about his future swirls.
“It’s been a long road, but I’m grateful for every moment,” Cherry-Evans reflected after the match, according to The Daily Telegraph. Though he stopped short of addressing the contract rumors directly, his focus remained on finishing the season strongly with Manly. “Right now, I’m just enjoying my footy and trying to help the team finish on a high.”
The news of Cherry-Evans’ likely departure has sparked plenty of debate among fans and commentators. Some see the move as a shrewd piece of business by the Roosters, who stand to gain a proven leader and playmaker at a bargain price. Others question whether the relationship between Cherry-Evans and Manly has soured beyond repair, and what that means for both parties moving forward.
For Manly, the prospect of losing their captain and longest-serving halfback is a bitter pill to swallow. Cherry-Evans has been the face of the club for over a decade, leading them through highs and lows with trademark composure. His departure would mark the end of an era, forcing the Sea Eagles to look to the future without one of their greatest ever servants.
As for the Roosters, the addition of Cherry-Evans could be a masterstroke. His wealth of experience, tactical nous, and ability to guide a team around the park are qualities that few players possess. Coupled with the club’s stable of young talent, the stage is set for an intriguing new chapter in both Cherry-Evans’ career and the Roosters’ ongoing quest for NRL supremacy.
Of course, until the ink is dry on the contract and an official announcement is made, nothing is set in stone. The rugby league rumor mill will no doubt continue to churn, with every development scrutinized and dissected. For now, though, all signs point to Cherry-Evans swapping maroon and white for red, white, and blue in 2026—a move that could reshape the landscape of the NRL in more ways than one.
With the finals race heating up and contract dramas unfolding off the field, the coming weeks promise plenty of drama for NRL fans. Whether Cherry-Evans can bow out of Manly on a high, or whether the Roosters can secure their place in the top eight, remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure: the Daly Cherry-Evans saga is far from over, and the rugby league world will be watching closely as events continue to unfold.
