Daly Cherry-Evans has officially joined the Sydney Roosters on a one-year contract. The 36-year-old halfback made the move after 15 years with the Manly Sea Eagles.
What happened?
Daly Cherry-Evans' move to the Roosters was confirmed on Friday, with the team announcing the signing of the veteran halfback.
The Sydney Roosters confirmed the move, which is seen as a significant boost to their premiership hopes.
Why it matters for Daly Cherry-Evans
The move marks a new chapter in Cherry-Evans' career, after he spent 15 years with the Manly Sea Eagles.
He will partner Sam Walker in the halves, bringing his experience and understanding of the game to the team.
Coach Trent Robinson said: “Daly’s experience and understanding of the game will be a strong addition to our group and we’re excited to welcome him to the Roosters.”
What comes next?
Daly Cherry-Evans will be on significantly less money at the Roosters than what he was on at Manly.
The former Manly captain stunned his club in March when he revealed he was seeking a change of scenery.
Controversy dogged him for the remainder of the season, as his link to the Roosters became stronger.
Manly will now enter next season without Cherry-Evans as halfback for the first time since his 2011 debut.
No player in NRL history has started more games at halfback for one club, with all 352 of his matches coming there since winning a premiership in his rookie 2011 season.
In his 15 campaigns at Manly, Cherry-Evans has kicked 28 of the Sea Eagles’ 29 field goals, the only other one coming from Jack Littlejohn in 2014.
Cherry-Evans’ 29 field goals are a record for the NRL era, as are his seven golden-point winners.
So much has he been at the centre of Manly’s attack for 15 years, he has had more than 18,000 touches of the ball, set up 319 tries and scored 98.
Manly coach Anthony Seibold said: “Can you replace Chez? No, you can’t.”
“That’s the reality. He’s been the halfback here for 15 seasons.”
Daly Cherry-Evans' finest outings for Manly include his 2011 debut season, where he won a premiership and made a name for himself with his impressive performances.
He also had a dominant game against the Raiders in 2014, laying on six tries and helping Manly take a 42-0 lead inside 35 minutes.
The move to the Sydney Roosters is seen as a fresh start for Daly Cherry-Evans, who will look to bring his experience and skills to the team and help them achieve success in the upcoming season.