Daly Cherry-Evans’ shock decision to leave Manly has put the NRL on high alert.
A strong case could be made for more than half the clubs to sign him. We go through the potential landing points.
Dolphins
One of the early favourites for Cherry-Evans’ signature. This would be a homecoming of sorts given the Maroons captain is originally from Redcliff. The Dolphins have promising playmaker Isaiya Katoa on their books, who would benefit enormously from the arrival of the Manly veteran. Dolphins CEO Terry Reader is on record in saying they are interested and the club has the salary cap space to make a compelling offer.
Roosters
This would make a lot of sense. Chad Townsend’s contract expires at the end of this year and the chance to play alongside Sam Walker could hold appeal. Sandon Smith has been solid during his short NRL career, but ‘DCE’ would bring the class currently missing from the Roosters spine. Cherry-Evans is managed by the same firm that looks after James Tedesco, Billy Smith and the incoming Reece Robson, so there are already connections there. Cherry-Evans’ signing could have a Cooper Cronk-style effect on the club.
Bulldogs
When asked on 100% Footy about the prospect of making a play for Cherry-Evans, Phil Gould produced a good poker face. He could do worse than go all-in for the veteran playmaker. The Bulldogs are heartened by the development of Toby Sexton, who remains uncontracted beyond this year. However, you only have to think back to how their 2024 season ended; they dominated Manly everywhere in their finals clash except on the scoreboard. If the teams had swapped halves, Canterbury would have got the result. Gould loves making big moves, and he had a little dip at Ben Hunt … could a “secret meeting” be just around the corner?
Parramatta
When Dylan Brown was snapped up by Newcastle, it appeared there wasn’t a quick fix for Jason Ryles. However, a case could be made that $1.1 million per season the Eels were set to pay Dylan Brown would be better spent on Cherry-Evans. Parramatta have outstanding juniors Joshua Lynn, Lincoln Fletcher, Talen Risati, Te Hurinui Twidle and Lorenzo Talataina coming up through the grades. It’s unlikely any would be ready for first grade for about 18 months, making Cherry-Evans the ideal bridging player. A Cherry-Evans-Mitchell Moses halves combination has the potential to be dynamic.
Dragons
When Cherry-Evans was last weighing up his future, Shane Flanagan tried to lure him to Cronulla. He didn’t get his man on that occasion, but that won’t deter him from having another crack. The jury remains out on whether current halves Lachlan Ilias and Kyle Flanagan are up to the task, while Daniel Atkinson is joining the club next year. Flanagan has never been afraid to chase a veteran and Cherry-Evans would be the game-changing signing the club needs.
Panthers
Sounds fanciful, but hear us out. At this stage of his career, having signed multiple large contracts, money is unlikely to be a big motivator for Cherry-Evans. The chance to finish his career the way he started it – with a premiership – would hold massive appeal. If the NRL is prepared to value Cherry-Evans at about $500,000 per season or even a touch less, there would be a massive appeal in taking “unders” to play alongside Nathan Cleary and compete for a title. With Cherry-Evans at the foot of the mountains, the Panthers would be very hard to beat.
Daly Cherry-Evans celebrates a try.Credit: NRL Photos
Cowboys
Coach Todd Payten is under pressure after a winless start to the year and there’s a feeling that something needs to change. Cherry-Evans and Tom Dearden have clicked at State of Origin level, so the club knows it’s a combination that would work. While Jake Clifford and Tom Duffy are capable, neither has Cherry-Evans’ class.
Rabbitohs
Cody Walker is off-contract, but we’re hearing he will go around for at least one more season. Who plays alongside him in 2026? Jamie Humphreys has shown promise, Lewis Dodd remains an unknown commodity, and we don’t know if Josh Schuster or Bud Sullivan have a future at the Rabbitohs beyond this year. If Souths can find the money, the chance to be coached by Wayne Bennett could appeal to Cherry-Evans.
Manly
Cherry-Evans has stated he will finish at Brookvale at the end of the season, although Manly officials hope to change his mind. The Sea Eagles have tabled a reported two-year, $1.4 million extension, which appears too little too late. However, chief executive Tony Mestrov on Tuesday said the door remains ajar should Cherry-Evans decide to perform another backflip.
Titans
He signed for them once before, and we all know how that ended. It would be one of the greatest rugby league yarns of all if it belatedly happened. There’s an obvious connection with Des Hasler, although the Titans are strapped for cash and would need to offload several big-name players to free up the required salary-cap space.
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