Where to now for Daly Cherry-Evans?
That’s the biggest story in league, and it’s unlikely to be answered for several weeks or even months.
The veteran halfback is in no hurry to make a decision but Wide World of Sports can reveal it’s a six-club race – and Manly isn’t one of them.
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The Sea Eagles hurriedly put a two-year offer to the 36-year-old on Monday night after initially baulking at the idea. But it is too little, too late.
Here are the contenders to sign the oldest man in the NRL for 2026/27.
Daly Cherry-Evans warms up for Manly. Getty
Roosters
Plenty of people laughed at the prospect of DCE leaving Manly when Wide World of Sports broke the story last week. They’re not smirking now.
The Roosters can put together the most attractive package to sign the playmaker and the idea of another Cooper Cronk fairytale finish to his career appeals to both parties.
Dragons
Coach Shane Flanagan has already alienated his halfback Lachlan Ilias after just a couple of games and will be desperate to sign DCE to mentor his son Kyle, although the arrival of Daniel Atkinson at the end of this season will further complicate matters. They will throw plenty of cash his way as 2025 appears set to be another doomed campaign.
Dolphins
The romantic option. Cherry-Evans was born in Redcliffe, started his career there as a five-year-old and his dad Troy played for the club in the old Brisbane Rugby League premiership.
He would be the greatest signing in the club’s short history.
Titans
The dark horse in the race for one reason – the Des Hasler factor.
The pair spent many seasons together at Manly, had great success, and remain the best of friends.
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Bulldogs
Toby Sexton is doing a good job at number seven for the Bulldogs, but doesn’t quite have DCE’s game management skills.
Canterbury are the one club who could match the Roosters in terms of dollars and so have to be a big chance.
Eels
The Eels suddenly have $1.1 million-a-year free in their salary cap following Dylan Brown’s move to the Knights for the next 10 years.
With the club looking at another season of woe, they would surely be tempted to test the waters with DCE, forming a lethal combination alongside Mitchell Moses.
