LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Sydney Roosters have allegedly dismissed rumors regarding a potential backflip on their agreement to sign Daly Cherry-Evans for the 2026 season. Meanwhile, reports that Cherry-Evans might consider retirement instead of making the move have also been refuted. Leading commentators, Andrew Voss and Phil Rothfield, had suggested earlier that Cherry-Evans will retire at season's end rather than transfer to the Roosters.
In a recent revelation on Triple M radio, reporter Ben Dobbin shared that Cherry-Evans will not be retiring and that the Roosters remain committed to signing him. Dobbin stated he had spoken with Cherry-Evans' camp, who affirmed that he will definitely continue playing through 2026.
"All roads have been pointing to the Roosters," Dobbin noted. "There's been calls in different circles for Daly Cherry-Evans to retire at the end of the season. I can tell you, at this stage, that definitely will not be happening."
He emphasized, "Daly Cherry-Evans plans on playing in 2026 and will be at the Sydney Roosters. There has been no deal signed. Talk that there has been a contract or a deal done is not right."
Dobbin further mentioned, "I have spoken to Daly Cherry Evans' camp today and at this stage, they are 100 percent playing on next year. They are hopefully going to do a deal with Sydney Roosters. There are no other clubs chasing Daly Cherry-Evans other than the Sydney Roosters."
When questioned about whether the Roosters were having second thoughts due to Cherry-Evans' recent performances and the rise of young prospect Hugo Savala, Dobbin replied, "This is the narrative you're reading; it's not true. The only club he will be playing for is the Sydney Roosters."
On SEN radio, Matty Johns expressed optimism about Cherry-Evans' potential transition to the Roosters, stating, "I think he will play on and I think we're being premature saying it'll be a dud signing."