As the Sydney Roosters prepare for a crucial away qualifying final against Penrith, the stage is set for Daly Cherry-Evans to lead the team in his No. 7 jersey.
A seasoned player at 37, Cherry-Evans is stepping up after the absence of Sam Walker, taking on the challenge to return the Roosters to the grand final for the first time since their 2019 premiership.
His upcoming transition to the Super League side Hull FC in 2027 adds additional pressure to perform this season.
If victorious, Cherry-Evans would complete a remarkable journey, echoing the glory of his 2011 grand-final win with Manly in his rookie season.
With a 9-11 record in finals, Cherry-Evans acknowledges that he hasn't reached a grand final since the 2013 loss to the Roosters.
"There's a lot of belief in this side that it can finish that way, and it's not just about me," he stated, emphasizing the desire for the entire team to experience winning a premiership.
He noted the importance of experienced players in guiding the younger members: "We've got a great opportunity in front of us as a club, and within that each player has a role to play."
Cherry-Evans dismissed distractions about his future, stating, "Make no mistake that my desire to win a premiership here in these remaining games is something that I want more than anything."
"If my legacy comes down to these remaining three to four games, then I probably haven't done enough for the last however many I've played," he added, highlighting the significance of closing his NRL career with a championship.
As he prepares to partner with Hugo Savala in the halves, Cherry-Evans welcomed the opportunity for Savala to shine: "We need Hugo to be Hugo... he's got a very, very strong career ahead of him in the half."