In the ever-evolving world of NRL, Daly Cherry-Evans, a veteran of the Sea Eagles, finds himself at a crossroads as he contemplates his future with the club. Reports from the SMH highlight that the NRL has assigned a valuation of approximately $400,000 for the 36-year-old playmaker for the 2026 season, which coincides with the expiration of his current contract at the end of 2025.
This valuation aligns closely with Ben Hunt's valuation of $650,000 at the Brisbane Broncos. Interestingly, these figures, highlighted by the NRL, establish a minimum salary threshold for players, ensuring that contracts align with the market value.
However, insiders at Manly are said to believe that the 2025 season may indeed be Cherry-Evans' swan song. He has various pathways before him, including a potential shift to coaching or media opportunities, should he choose to retire. Turning 37 next season, Cherry-Evans has yet to finalize his decision.
Rival NRL clubs are closely monitoring the situation, knowing that Cherry-Evans might command around $800,000 if he enters the open market. Notably, the St. George Illawarra Dragons are generating buzz as a potential suitor, particularly since coach Shane Flanagan had previously approached him back while at the Sharks in 2015.
Flanagan’s Dragons will also be adapting to significant changes following the departure of Hunt, who donned the No.7 shirt. This consigned Lachlan Ilias to take that position amid a lot of tension as Flanagan, just three rounds into the season, publicly commented on Ilias' performance after a loss to the Rabbitohs, later apologizing for his remarks.
In the midst of Cherry-Evans' deliberations, another name has surfaced in the news: Joseph Suaalii, the highest-paid player in the game at $6 million. Suaalii has faced scrutiny regarding his commitment to rugby union following an injury that sidelined him for a month. Phil Rothfield, an experienced rugby league journalist, criticized Suaalii for attending the Formula 1 Australian GP in Melbourne instead of supporting his Waratahs teammates against the Reds.
He stated during the Big Sports Breakfast, “The headline on this story basically says ‘is Joseph Suaalii a rockstar or rugby player?’” He drew a stark contrast to Penrith's Dylan Edwards, who traveled to Melbourne to support his injured teammates, emphasizing team-first mentality.
Edwards made the effort to support coach Ivan Cleary during the Storm clash, offering insights to his teammates, while Suaalii opted for the celebrity circuit instead. Rothfield's statements question Suaalii's commitment to the sport just as he is poised to make his Super Rugby debut, adding, “He could have been sitting next to the coach and further educating himself on the game of rugby union.”
Back to Cherry-Evans, the veteran has shown remarkable durability over his career, having only missed 20 games over 15 seasons, many of which were during representative duties. Rothfield noted on NRL360 that Cherry-Evans desires a two-year deal from 2026, aiming for a financial package that reflects his contributions to the game.
“He wants a two-year deal and he wants decent money,” Rothfield quoted. “He wants a two-year deal with one year, plus a one-year option.”
As the anticipation builds around both players amid contrasting choices and expected decisions, the narrative surrounding Cherry-Evans, in particular, represents the broader landscape of the NRL industry. Will he continue as a player, or transition into a coaching role? Meanwhile, Suaalii must reassess his commitment in a sport that has much at stake.
With uncertainty in the air, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as these two prominent figures navigate their immediate futures in the globe of competitive rugby.
