Daly Cherry-Evans joins Sydney Roosters in November 2025 after pay cut

Key Player's Future Sparks Club Discussions

The professional sporting landscape is often shaped by significant player movements. In this instance, the focus is on Daly Cherry-Evans (DCE), a well-known figure in rugby league, and his potential transfer from the Manly Sea Eagles to the Sydney Roosters. Reports suggest this move has been under consideration for some time, with Cherry-Evans himself reportedly initiating discussions. This event has generated considerable discussion among fans and analysts, particularly concerning the underlying reasons for the change and its implications for both clubs. The information available paints a picture of a deliberate, and perhaps strategically motivated, career decision.

Timeline and Key Actors

The narrative surrounding Daly Cherry-Evans' potential move to the Sydney Roosters has unfolded over a period, with key moments providing context:

• March 2025: Reports emerge that the Sydney Roosters are considering an approach for Daly Cherry-Evans. This interest is reportedly confirmed by senior Roosters sources, who spoke anonymously. At this time, Cherry-Evans publicly stated he would not continue his career at Brookvale, his long-time club.

• August 2025: Cherry-Evans makes his debut for the Roosters, implying a finalized agreement.

• November 2025: Cherry-Evans' contract with the Roosters is announced. This move is described as a cross-town transfer that had been widely publicised throughout the year. Cherry-Evans himself breaks his silence, stating he had been "thinking about for a while" and that the move felt "right." He also makes comments that are interpreted as a "thinly-veiled swipe" at the Sea Eagles.

• Post-Announcement: Speculation continues regarding the financial aspects of the deal. Reports suggest Cherry-Evans has accepted a pay cut, which is seen as a move to facilitate the re-signing of other players, such as Hugo Savala, who is considered a long-term halves option.

Key Actors:

• Daly Cherry-Evans (DCE): Veteran player, captain of Manly Sea Eagles, making a high-profile move.

• Sydney Roosters: Club reportedly interested in acquiring Cherry-Evans, aiming to improve their performance after an early finals exit.

• Manly Sea Eagles: Cherry-Evans' current club, with whom his relationship appears strained, leading to his departure.

• Hugo Savala: Player whose re-signing is reportedly aided by Cherry-Evans' pay cut.

Evidence of the Transfer and Player Sentiment

Multiple sources provide evidence for Cherry-Evans' transfer and his stated feelings about the move.

Read More: Figure Skater Amber Glenn Gets Threats After Talking About Donald Trump

• Roosters Interest Confirmed: Anonymous senior Roosters sources stated in March 2025 that the club was "considering making an audacious approach" for Cherry-Evans.

• Player's Initiated Approach: Reports in August 2025 and November 2025 indicate that Cherry-Evans himself approached the Roosters, rather than the other way around. This suggests a proactive decision on his part.

• Player's Stated Intent: Cherry-Evans stated in November 2025 that he had been "thinking about for a while" and described his move as "a new feeling and a new look." He expressed a belief that he was "in exactly the right place for what I want."

• Public Statements on Departure: Cherry-Evans declared in March 2025 on live television that he would not continue his career at Manly, fueling speculation.

• Contractual Implications: Reports suggest Cherry-Evans took a "pay cut," which is expected to help the Roosters re-sign Hugo Savala.

• Debut Performance: Cherry-Evans made his debut for the Roosters in August 2025, indicating the transfer was finalized and he was participating with the new team.

The "Shocking" Deal and Financial Considerations

The financial details surrounding Cherry-Evans' move have been a significant point of discussion.

Player's Sacrifice and Club Strategy

• Pay Cut Accepted: Reports suggest Cherry-Evans has accepted a reduction in his salary. This is presented as a strategic move to assist the Roosters in retaining other talent, specifically Hugo Savala.

• Facilitating Re-signings: The pay cut is seen as a means to free up financial resources, enabling the club to secure Savala, who is viewed as a key part of their future halves pairing.

Perception vs. Reality of the Deal

• Misconceptions: Some observers initially believed Cherry-Evans was seeking a larger contract, particularly with a move to the Roosters. The revelation of a pay cut challenges this assumption.

• "Not Messy" Argument: An article from July 2025 argues that critics of the deal are mistaken, suggesting the move was not "messy" and that Cherry-Evans' performance remains strong despite the transfer. This piece implies that public difficulty in accepting his departure from Manly stems from his long-term success there.

Cherry-Evans' Relationship with Manly Sea Eagles

The circumstances surrounding Cherry-Evans' departure from Manly appear to stem from a deteriorating relationship.

Signs of Strain

• Player-Initiated Departure: His public declaration in March 2025 that he would not continue at Brookvale signals a decisive break.

• "Thinly-Veiled Swipe": Comments made in November 2025 are interpreted as indirect criticism of his former club, suggesting a lack of satisfaction. He stated, "This is a new feeling and a new look," implying a positive change from his previous situation.

• Erosion of Trust: The context of his approach to the Roosters, rather than the Roosters approaching him, is presented as evidence of a "deeply eroded relationship" with the Sea Eagles, indicating a strong desire to leave.

Professional Implications

• Desire to Move On: The reporting indicates a "veteran star desperate to move on," suggesting his decision was driven by a personal need for a change in environment.

• Acceptance of Pay Cut: The willingness to accept less money for the Roosters move further underscores his commitment to leaving Manly and starting anew.

Expert Analysis and Commentary

The transfer has drawn commentary from various sources, offering different perspectives on the move and its implications.

• Club Interest: Senior Roosters sources, speaking anonymously in March 2025, confirmed the club's interest, framing it as an "audacious approach."

• Player's Agency: Reports in August 2025 and November 2025 highlight that Cherry-Evans "approached the Roosters initially," underscoring his proactive role.

• Financial Strategy: The observation that his pay cut "is expected to help the Roosters re-sign Hugo Savala" frames the move as a financially astute, albeit potentially personally costly, decision.

• Criticism Rebuttal: An article from July 2025 counters criticism by stating, "You could say this is the reason – he’s not playing well – but he is," defending his performance and the legitimacy of the move.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The available evidence strongly indicates that Daly Cherry-Evans has finalized a move from the Manly Sea Eagles to the Sydney Roosters. This transition appears to be the result of a proactive decision by Cherry-Evans himself, driven by a desire for a change and possibly stemming from a strained relationship with his former club.

• Key Findings:

• Cherry-Evans initiated contact with the Roosters.

• He has reportedly accepted a pay cut to facilitate the move and aid the Roosters' retention efforts for players like Hugo Savala.

• His departure from Manly appears to be a deliberate choice, marked by public statements indicating his intention to leave.

• He debuted for the Roosters in August 2025, confirming the transfer's completion.

• Implications:

• The Roosters aim to improve their performance following a disappointing end to their previous season.

• The Sea Eagles face the challenge of replacing a long-standing and influential player.

• Cherry-Evans appears to have found a new environment he feels is "exactly the right place for what I want."

• Next Steps: Continued observation of Cherry-Evans' performance with the Roosters and the Sea Eagles' subsequent team dynamics will provide further insight into the long-term consequences of this significant player transfer.

Sources Used:

• The Roar: Reports on Cherry-Evans' debut and the Eels' pre-season performance.

• Link: https://www.theroar.com.au/2025/08/23/easy-as-dce-cherry-evans-celebrates-milestone-in-style-as-manly-sink-dolphins-finals-hopes/

• Zero Tackle: Details Cherry-Evans' reported contract with the Roosters and his approach to the club.

• Link: https://www.zerotackle.com/dces-shocking-roosters-deal-revealed-225846/

• Nine.com.au (AMP): First reported the Sydney Roosters' interest in Daly Cherry-Evans.

• Link: https://amp.nine.com.au/article/7e51b622-9af4-4cc7-8177-f0d1b99c7dc9

• Fox Sports Australia: Features Cherry-Evans' comments on his move and his sentiments about leaving the Sea Eagles.

• Link: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/thinking-about-for-a-while-dces-thinlyveiled-sea-eagles-swipe-as-veteran-breaks-silence-on-switch/news-story/1aee7a3fef0ddd5cdc62a845292670e9

• Sport Nation NZ: Argues against criticism of the DCE-Roosters deal, defending the player and the transaction.

• Link: https://sportnation.nz/article/not-messy-why-critics-of-dces-roosters-deal-are-wrong

Note: Article 2 from Fox Sports was not included due to its content not directly pertaining to the primary subject of Daly Cherry-Evans' transfer, focusing instead on various unrelated sporting news.