Daly Cherry-Evans, the veteran halfback of the Manly Sea Eagles, is under scrutiny after a lackluster performance over the weekend that raised concerns about his future in the National Rugby League (NRL). NRL legend Cooper Cronk has voiced his concerns, highlighting moments that suggest Cherry-Evans may be struggling with the physical demands of the game as he approaches the twilight of his career.
Cherry-Evans, who has been linked to a potential move to the Sydney Roosters on a lucrative $1 million contract, is facing calls to reconsider his playing future. The move is being compared to Cronk’s own successful transition to the Roosters, where he led the team to back-to-back premierships in 2018 and 2019. However, Cronk has pointed out that Cherry-Evans’ recent performances indicate a reluctance to engage in physical contact, a critical skill for a halfback.
Concerns Over Physicality
During the Sea Eagles’ unexpected defeat to the Wests Tigers, Cronk noted two instances where Cherry-Evans appeared to shy away from necessary contact. In one instance, Tigers winger Sunia Turuva scored a try with minimal resistance from Cherry-Evans, who missed a crucial tackle opportunity.
“The ball goes through here and Daly has an opportunity to come back through here on Turuva, and missed him. That’s a hips tackle, legs tackle every day of the week,” Cronk remarked.
In another play, Cherry-Evans opted to pass the ball over the sideline rather than exploiting a gap in the defensive line for a potential try. Cronk emphasized the importance of maintaining physicality, especially for a player in the latter stages of their career.
The Roosters’ Dilemma
As speculation mounts over Cherry-Evans’ potential move to the Roosters, questions arise about the impact on the team’s current lineup, particularly on emerging talents like Sam Walker and Hugo Savala. Walker, who has been mentored by Cronk, is in a remarkable phase of his career, combining instinctive play with strategic acumen.
“He’s the sort of kid, Sam, he’s have had a football in his hands and boots on his feet before he was out of nappies. And he was just one of the best instinctive footballers I’ve seen,” said former Kangaroos No.6 Matty Johns.
Walker recently showcased his skills in a victory against the Bulldogs, demonstrating a newfound ruthlessness in attack. Cronk praised Walker’s ability to blend instinct with a structured approach, a testament to his growth as a player.
Future Prospects for the Roosters
The potential addition of Cherry-Evans to the Roosters’ roster could also influence the future of Hugo Savala, a promising young five-eighth. Savala, who is currently on a modest contract, has impressed with his core fundamentals and playmaking abilities. His performance has been somewhat overshadowed by Walker’s resurgence, but he remains a valuable asset for the Roosters.
“He understands the smarts of footy. He’s intelligent,” Cronk said, highlighting Savala’s ability to handle pressure and execute strategic plays.
As the Roosters contemplate their lineup for the next season, the decision to bring in Cherry-Evans will need to balance the benefits of his experience with the potential disruption to the development of their young stars.
Looking Ahead
Cherry-Evans is set to reach a significant milestone, playing his 350th NRL game against the Dolphins. While his contributions to the Sea Eagles are undeniable, the question remains whether he can continue to perform at the highest level. Cronk’s advice to Cherry-Evans is clear: if he wishes to continue playing, he must rediscover his physical edge to avoid hindering his team’s performance.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Cherry-Evans’ future, both with the Sea Eagles and potentially with the Roosters. As the NRL season progresses, all eyes will be on Cherry-Evans to see if he can rise to the challenge and prove his critics wrong.
