Double Joy for Roosters Fans as Cherry-Evans Arrives to Chase Premiership Glory
Sydney Roosters supporters are celebrating double joy with the high-profile arrival of Daly Cherry-Evans, who joins after 15 illustrious seasons at Manly Sea Eagles, sparking immediate expectations of ending the club’s premiership drought since 2019. The veteran halfback, who has played 352 NRL games exclusively at halfback—a league record—links up with a star-studded lineup including Sam Walker, new signing Reece Robson, and James Tedesco, mirroring the 2018-2019 era when Cooper Cronk and Tedesco joined forces.
Luke Keary, now in a halves coaching role at the Roosters, believes Cherry-Evans is the missing piece. “He came in early, spending time with Sam before Christmas,” Keary told SEN 1170 Breakfast. “He brings stability, experience, and confidence—everyone likes him. At his age, a fresh start will drive him.” Keary acknowledged inevitable comparisons to Cronk, who joined in his twilight years and secured back-to-back titles. “The first 10 weeks with Cooper were tough,” he recalled, referencing an ANZAC Day loss where the trio bonded over breakfast.
Keary vividly recounted the 2018 grand final’s dramatic week, when Cronk played with a broken shoulder. “He told us he ‘probably wouldn’t play’ on the Monday, easing pressure as focus shifted to his injury,” Keary said. Plans were made for Mitchell Aubusson to fill in, with Keary and Tedesco prepared to cover both sides of the field. “I roomed with him the night before—he was icing his shoulder, and I thought he was done,” Keary added. Cronk received injections 30-40 minutes before kick-off, skipping warm-up, yet delivered a heroic performance as Keary claimed the Clive Churchill Medal. The Roosters now hope Cherry-Evans replicates that winning pedigree in 2026.
