Cherry-Evans ends 15 years at Manly; now one win from grand final with Roosters
Daly Cherry-Evans departed Manly after 15 seasons and 352 matches when the club would not make the first contract offer.
After 15 seasons at Manly, Daly Cherry-Evans announced in March 2025 that the year would be his last at the Sea Eagles. The club had decided not to table a formal offer first, instead saying it would only move if another team made an offer.
Cherry-Evans rejected the club's eventual counter-offer of a two-year deal worth about $1.4 million and signed with the Sydney Roosters instead. The circumstances frustrated some at Manly, who felt Cherry-Evans abandoned the club at a crucial moment.
Cherry-Evans announced his decision on a footy show without wearing club gear, which added to the friction. His departure from Manly proved costly for the Sea Eagles, who did not make the finals.
At the Roosters, Cherry-Evans has thrived. The team is now one win away from their first grand final since 2019.
The 37-year-old has answered doubts about whether he could still perform at the highest level and has settled concerns about his impact on young players like Hugo Savala.
- 15
- Seasons at Manly
- 352
- Matches for Manly
- 1.4 million dollars
- Rejected contract value
- 7
- Years since last Roosters grand final
Why it mattersCherry-Evans' career shows how a veteran player can revitalise a new club after a messy departure from his former one.
AustraliaThe Roosters' grand final bid hinges on a preliminary final this week; Cherry-Evans' move reshuffled NRL rosters and outcomes.
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