Top 5 landing spots for Daly Cherry-Evans
Daly Cherry-Evans, the experienced NRL halfback and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles skipper, remains one of rugby league’s most strategic and resilient playmakers. With the speculation about his future beyond 2025 growing and his impending departure from Manly, clubs across the league are debating signing up a veteran leader, weighing up the value of his standing as a premiership winner and Queensland Origin captain to make their decision. Here are the five clubs where Daly Cherry-Evans (DCE) may land.
5. North Queensland Cowboys
The Cowboys look like a team that is a halfback away from competing at the highest level. Since Jonathan Thurston’s retirement, North Queensland has cycled through many half-backs such as Chad Townsend, Tom Duffy and Jake Clifford. The Cowboys’ struggle to start the year have left them searching for answers. DCE’s composure and familiarity with some of the Cowboys who he had played with in Origin, mainly his QLD halves partner Tom Dearden, will help them get into full stride relatively quickly. However, for personal reasons this is unlikely; DCE’s family is already set up in NSW and unless there is a significant emotional connection this seems unlikely despite the great fit.
4. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Although the Bulldogs are currently not looking to pursue DCE at this current moment, the form of current halfback Toby Sexton may play a major role in the change of heart for the Bulldogs. If Sexton is in poor form the Bulldogs may look elsewhere and sign DCE on the two-year deal to help them win now with the squad they have but also aid the development of highly touted halves coming through the Bulldogs junior system, Mitchell Woods and Alex Conti. This will also bring out the best in current five-eighth Matt Burton who can take a back seat organisationally and choose his moment whilst also dominating the long kicking game (48% long kicking completion rate, 1st in the NRL) for the Dogs while DCE takes almost all the short kicking duties (73% short kicking completion rate, 2nd in the NRL).
3. Gold Coast Titans
DCE would have the ability to right his wrongs of the past by joining the Titans; iconically DCE backflipped on his decision to join the Titans in 2015 to remain in Manly. This will link DCE back up with former Manly coach Des Hasler, allowing for familiarity with the system that is in place in the Gold Coast which follows a very methodical style. This, however, will force Keiran Foran out and may create major animosity between the former halves pairing who won a premiership together for Manly back in 2011. Another reason not to go to the Titans is, in the same vein as why he won’t join the Cowboys, the uprootal of his family will put major pressure on his wife and children – seems like a waste to give away your current life for two years.
2. Redcliffe Dolphins
DCE’s emotional connection to Redcliffe runs deep; he grew up in that area and played for the Dolphins as a junior. This could mark a long-term family move and will pay off in the long run. In terms of fit, there are major question marks in terms of how he will work with current halfback Isaiya Katoa who also acts as a game manager and forcing him into the number 6 jersey will probably not be in the best interest of the Dolphins post-DCE. The fairytale-esque implications will make for a great story for the end of his career but will not lead to good footy being played and this team will not make a splash in the NRL post-season.
1. Sydney Roosters
In a move similar to Cooper Cronk’s decision to move on from Melbourne after 323 first grade appearances to join the Tricolours which led to the Roosters winning back-to-back premierships in 2018 and 2019, DCE’s inclusion will seek to emulate that success and instantly boosts the ceiling of this side. The predicted spine will have James Tedesco at fullback, Sam Walker at five-eighth, DCE at halfback and incoming recruit from North Queensland Reece Robson at hooker which will improve upon already one of the greatest attacking seasons which they had back in 2024. The Roosters have gotten off to a poor start to the 2025 season mainly due to injuries to Sam Walker and departing hooker Brandon Smith, while also having a mass exodus which included Joey Manu (Japan – Union), Joseph Sua’ali’i (Wallabies/Waratahs – Union) Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Hull – Super League) Sitili Tupouniua (Bulldogs) and Luke Keary (Catalans – Super League). DCE will allow Sam Walker to play more off the cuff while he directs the team around the field while also developing Walker into the heir apparent for DCE’s number 7 jersey for the Queensland Maroons.
Daly Cherry Evans’ next move will become one of the biggest stories of the 2025 offseason and will change his legacy forever, no matter what decision he makes. Fans are keen to see whether he plays on or even decides to retire if he manages to win a second title with the Sea-Eagles this season.
Zac C, Year 12