Daly Cherry-Evans, the seasoned halfback of the Manly Sea Eagles, is facing scrutiny over his future in the NRL after two lackluster performances over the weekend. NRL legend Cooper Cronk has pointed out these moments as red flags for the aging player, sparking debate over whether Cherry-Evans should retire rather than pursue a rumored $1 million contract with the Roosters next season.
Cherry-Evans, often compared to Cronk for his potential to lead a team to premiership glory, is now being advised to reconsider his physical engagement on the field. Cronk, who led the Roosters to back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019, expressed concerns about Cherry-Evans’ reluctance to engage in contact during a recent game against the Wests Tigers.
Cronk’s Observations on Cherry-Evans’ Performance
In a segment on “Matty and Cronk,” Cooper Cronk highlighted two critical plays where Cherry-Evans seemed to shy away from necessary physicality. The first instance was a defensive lapse, allowing Tigers winger Sunia Turuva to score with minimal resistance. The second was an offensive misstep, where Cherry-Evans chose to pass rather than seize a tryscoring opportunity.
“He’s 36 years of age, may or may not be playing on next year, we’ve got no idea,” Cronk commented. “But there’s one thing that you need to be able to do as a halfback at the latter stages, is you need to stay physical.”
Cronk’s advice to Cherry-Evans was blunt: if he wishes to continue playing, he must rediscover his physicality to avoid letting his team down. This advice comes from Cronk’s own experience, having played the 2018 grand final with a broken shoulder blade.
The Impact on the Roosters’ Future
The potential arrival of Cherry-Evans at the Roosters raises questions about the development of their current halfback, Sam Walker, and young five-eighth Hugo Savala. Walker, who has been flourishing under Cronk’s guidance, is entering a pivotal phase of his career, blending instinct with structured play.
“He’s the sort of kid, Sam, he’s had a football in his hands and boots on his feet before he was out of nappies,” said Matty Johns. “But instincts in the NRL only carry so far. You have to have a football education.”
Walker recently delivered a standout performance against the Bulldogs, showcasing his ability to combine instinctive play with strategic thinking. His return from an ACL injury has been marked by a newfound maturity, which has significantly benefited the Roosters’ performance.
Emerging Talent: Hugo Savala
Meanwhile, Hugo Savala, the promising five-eighth, is quietly making his mark. Despite being overshadowed by Walker’s resurgence, Savala’s skills in recognizing and exploiting defensive weaknesses have not gone unnoticed. With his contract up for negotiation soon, Savala could become a target for rival clubs.
“He has been so impressive. It’s the explosion of Sam coming back and his form that has sort of stopped Hugo getting the raps he deserves,” Johns noted.
Cronk praised Savala’s intelligence and ability to handle pressure from formidable opponents, further highlighting his potential to thrive in the NRL.
Looking Ahead: Cherry-Evans’ Decision
As Cherry-Evans approaches his 350th NRL game, the decision about his future looms large. While his legacy as a Manly Sea Eagles great is secure, his ability to continue as an effective halfback is in question. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Cherry-Evans can adapt his game to meet the physical demands of top-tier rugby league.
The implications of Cherry-Evans’ decision extend beyond his personal career, potentially affecting the Roosters’ lineup and the development of emerging talents like Walker and Savala. As the NRL community watches closely, the next chapter for Cherry-Evans remains uncertain.
