New revelations have emerged regarding Daly Cherry-Evans’ anticipated move to the Sydney Roosters, shedding light on the length of his contract and his future role within the club. According to reports, Cherry-Evans is expected to play for the Roosters in 2026 before transitioning into a coaching position in 2027.
The details of this arrangement were disclosed by Michael Chammas on Channel 9’s 100% Footy, who stated, “My understanding is it’s a one-year deal. He will announce that later in the year. It’ll have a one-year continuing on as a coach.” This development follows previous speculation about Cherry-Evans’ post-retirement plans, with Danny Weidler noting that the player would move into coaching once his playing days conclude.
Cherry-Evans, currently 36, has had a storied career with the Manly Sea Eagles, scoring 97 tries in 345 games since his debut in 2011. He led the team to a premiership victory in his debut season and has been a key figure in the NRL ever since. His international career includes 26 State of Origin appearances for Queensland and 21 Test matches for Australia.
Sharks Face Uncertainty as Brailey Rejects Extension
Meanwhile, the Cronulla Sharks are facing a potential setback as hooker Blayke Brailey has turned down an extension offer from the club. Brailey, who is seen as a future NSW Origin player, is keen to explore his options on the open market if an agreement isn’t reached by November 1.
According to WWOS’ The Mole, Brailey’s manager David Riolo confirmed the stalled negotiations, stating, “They [Cronulla] made an offer – we didn’t accept it. I put a counter offer and they are considering it. We are kind of in limbo at the moment.” Brailey, a homegrown talent, has been a mainstay for the Sharks since his debut in 2019, scoring 16 tries in 155 games.
“But the clock is ticking and if it can’t get sorted before November 1, he will go to the open market,” Riolo added.
The Sharks’ inability to secure Brailey could see him attract interest from multiple NRL clubs, eager to bolster their rosters with his talent and experience.
Tigers Eye Queensland Young Gun Javon Andrews
In other transfer news, the Wests Tigers are reportedly targeting Queensland under-19s standout Javon Andrews. This move comes shortly after the Tigers secured their captain Api Koroisau with a two-year contract extension.
The Daily Telegraph reports that the Tigers are keen on Andrews, who is currently with the Gold Coast Titans and has shown promise in the Maroons’ Origin win earlier this year. Overcoming a significant spinal injury, Andrews is now back to full health and is seen as a valuable addition to the Tigers’ future plans.
The Tigers are looking to strengthen their squad depth following the mid-season departures of Lachlan Galvin and Tallyn Da Silva. Additionally, Adam Doueihi is contemplating a move to the Panthers in 2026, which has prompted the Tigers to offer him a deal worth approximately $350,000 per season.
The Tigers are positioning themselves for the future with Jarome Luai and Latu Fainu as their halves pairing, but Andrews would provide crucial cover and development potential.
Implications for the NRL Landscape
The potential moves of Cherry-Evans, Brailey, and Andrews highlight the dynamic nature of the NRL’s player market. Cherry-Evans’ transition to coaching could set a precedent for other veteran players considering their post-playing careers. Meanwhile, Brailey’s situation underscores the competitive market for top-tier talent, as clubs vie to secure key players amid salary cap constraints.
For the Tigers, securing young talent like Andrews is part of a broader strategy to build a resilient team capable of competing at the highest levels. As the November 1 deadline approaches, the NRL landscape could see significant shifts, with clubs making strategic moves to bolster their rosters for the upcoming seasons.
As the NRL community awaits official announcements, these developments promise to keep fans and analysts alike engaged in the ever-evolving world of rugby league.
