LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Daly Cherry-Evans has announced he will be leaving Manly at the end of the NRL season, sparking questions about his relationship with coach Anthony Seibold.
The player expressed a desire to continue playing next year but made it clear he wanted to leave Manly for clarity.
In a surprising turn of events, Manly officials offered him a lucrative two-year deal which he respectfully declined, indicating he had already made up his mind to depart.
Cherry-Evans' management, who also represent Roosters star James Tedesco and future recruit Reece Robson, could be a key link in bringing the veteran halfback to the Bondi club.
The Roosters have a history of making big moves for key players, such as when they signed Cooper Cronk in 2018.
Although the Roosters already have Sam Walker as their long-term No.7, Cherry-Evans could provide valuable experience and versatility to the team's spine.
Reports suggest that Roosters officials have been quietly discussing the possibility of signing Cherry-Evans, viewing him as an ideal mentor for their young halves and an upgrade on current halfback Chad Townsend.
This potential move aligns with the trend of teams moving away from traditional halfback and five-eighth roles, as seen at other clubs like the Broncos, Sharks, and Tigers.
The prospect of Cherry-Evans joining the Roosters could be a game-changer for the team as they look to strengthen their lineup and compete at the highest level in the NRL.