LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Matty Johns has suggested that the recent player clean-out at the Roosters might indicate their intention to sign Daly Cherry-Evans (DCE), whose contract with Manly is set to expire.
DCE has announced that he aims to retire after this, his 15th season with the Sea Eagles, a decision that seems to have affected Manly's performance negatively since it was revealed in March.
Reports indicate that the Roosters are likely considering a two-year deal worth $1 million per season for the 36-year-old, although neither the club nor the player has confirmed this.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson acknowledged the team's interest in DCE but denied that the recent player releases were aimed at making cap space for him.
Key moves by the Roosters include releasing injured hooker Brandon Smith to Souths and also allowing winger Dom Young to return to the Knights, though a financial dispute halted that transfer.
Furthermore, the Roosters have reportedly offered Chad Townsend to rival clubs after dropping him earlier in the season.
Johns posits that these actions might indicate the Roosters are trying to facilitate DCE's signing during the current season, rather than waiting for next year.
He points to the inclusion of teenage playmaker Joey Walsh in Manly's extended squad for an upcoming game as further evidence that the Sea Eagles are preparing for life without DCE.
Walsh is seen as a potential successor for Cherry-Evans, although it's believed he may not yet be ready for first-grade action.
Manly has already secured a three-year deal with Canberra's Jamal Fogarty, intended to replace DCE from next season.
However, Walsh's promotion within the club could signal an impending NRL debut, especially when DCE is expected to be occupied with State of Origin duty.
Discussing the situation on SEN radio, Johns remarked, "There's been a bit of talk about this...
when players were being released by the Roosters...
I said 'ah for DCE for next year'." This comment underscores his belief that the Roosters are positioning themselves to secure Cherry-Evans ahead of the June 30 deadline.
In summary, Johns sees the current moves within the Roosters and Manly as strategic signals pointing toward an imminent signing of Cherry-Evans, highlighting the shifting dynamics within the NRL as teams prepare for the future.