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‘It wasn’t part of the pitch’: DCE has last laugh as he shares all 16 years with major revelation
‘It wasn’t part of the pitch’: DCE has last laugh as he shares all 16 years with major revelationThere are still some people who find it difficult to see Daly Cherry-Evans wearing different colours this season, but if you ask the man himself, the biggest change over the years is the number on his back and how that’s influenced his game.
Sea Eagles fans got to enjoy him for 15 seasons and more than 350 games, with Cherry-Evans making an immediate mark by leading Manly to a premiership in his rookie year in 2011. Get the expert take on NRL Grand Final Day with FOX LEAGUE’s extensive coverage, plus full and mini replays available post-game on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit.
For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. It seemed a fait accompli that he would finish his career on the northern beaches, and while he still lives there, the 37-year-old is at the Roosters where he can finish his NRL journey with a one-and-done premiership for the eastern suburbs team.
Cherry-Evans didn’t always fall into structure when he first started, but he’s now the experienced head, with another young star in Sam Walker wearing the No.7 and dazzling rival teams with his off-the-cuff skills.
“If you look at anyone who’s 22 years old and fast forward to them as a 37-year-old, things change,” Cherry-Evans said. “I’m a husband and a father now. I’m sure there are some mannerisms that have held true with my footy. I’m obviously more mature, so I have a better understanding of what the team needs.
“I was very instinctive as a young player coming through the grades. I didn’t have a lot of structure around me – not that it wasn’t getting coached into me – but my style of play and personality was just playing what I see.
“I think over time I’ve become a halfback. For a long time I was a five-eighth wearing the No.7, and right now I’m probably a halfback wearing the No.6. ” BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Daly Cherry-Evans of the Roosters warms up before the NRL Preliminary Final match between the Dolphins and Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on September 25, 2026, in Brisbane, Australia.
The numbers suggest as much, with Cherry-Evans setting up 18 tries this season – his lowest since 2018 – but there are some striking similarities with his rookie year. The veteran has matched his debut season with seven tries, he’s about to equal it with 27 games, while a win against the Knights in the grand final will ensure he finishes with the second-highest win percentage of his career, only behind 2011.
The decision to leave Manly was a massive shock, as was his call to move to the English Super League next year. But he might produce the ultimate smash-and-grab job with a title in his lone season at the Roosters, with the club famously telling the world “we play for premierships”.
“I get it’s on the walls and stuff, but you see it and you believe it because of what’s here: the coach, the playing group, the support from the fans, and the board. “It wasn’t exactly spoken about, but when you walk in you can understand what’s going on here. This club doesn’t just like to be involved in the competition; they want to win the competition.
“Can I believe I’m here? Yes, I can, to be completely honest with you. It wasn’t the only reason, but a very big reason why I came here was the belief to give myself and this club a chance to win grand finals.
“It’s as simple as that, and it’s a big reason why I play the game. ” 28, September, 2026. NO NEWS. COM No News Wire NO AUSTRALIAN EMBARGO DAILY TELEGRAPH MUST CHECK WITH PIC DESK BEFORE USING.
Sydney Roosters NRL player, Daly Cherry-Evans, at Allianz Stadium, MOORE PARK, today. Picture: Justin LloydThe freedom to still live in Sydney was another reason why he chose the Roosters over a potential move to Queensland, as was the chance to work under three-time premiership-winning coach Trent Robinson.
“I feel like he’s really clear on his philosophies and visions as a coach, which is really important,” Cherry-Evans said. “Having a leader that’s really clear on which direction you want to go is great to see. Tactically, he has a really clear style of how he sees the games, so I’ve really appreciated learning that.
“Within all those beliefs and systems and structures that he’s got, he has this amazing ability to make sure that his players go out there and be themselves. “It’s definitely different to what I’m used to. In that regard it was very different, but that was all part of the challenge to come here.
“It was to earn the respect of everyone here through my performances and then also bring what I believe to be my strengths as a footy player, which I thought could help the side. “Over the course of the season, it was a bit of figuring it all out, but I feel like we’re there. We’re chasing a perfect game and we haven’t hit it yet, but we’re all hoping that this weekend might be it.
” A grand final win would be the perfect way to end his career, but Cherry-Evans insists he will honour his deal with Hull FC. He laughed when asked the question and suggested it was only raised because of the time he signed with the Titans in 2015 and then ended up staying at Manly.
“Regardless of what happens, I’ll be off next year. It’s why the incentive to leave it all out there this weekend is so clear for me. ”
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