The Sydney Roosters are one victory from their first grand final since 2019, with Daly Cherry-Evans at the centre of their unlikely charge.
At 37, the veteran halfback could finish his 16th NRL season with a farewell few would have predicted.
Cherry-Evans arrived at Bondi carrying considerable scrutiny after a turbulent departure from Manly and months of uncertainty about his future.
His move also prompted comparisons with Cooper Cronk and questions about whether he could still perform at the highest level.
The Roosters faced concerns about what his signing might mean for their emerging players, including Hugo Savala's future.
Those issues followed Cherry-Evans to his new club, but the transfer also created an opportunity.
Before joining the Roosters, he had spent 15 seasons and played 352 matches for the Sea Eagles, winning a premiership.
His exit became one of the biggest stories of the 2025 season.
In March, Cherry-Evans confirmed that 2025 would be his final season with Manly.