After months of speculation, it’s finally official.

Daly Cherry-Evans is leaving Manly and heading to the Sydney Roosters.

The NRL’s worst kept secret has finally been confirmed, with the Roosters releasing a statement on Friday announcing Cherry-Evans was joining the Sydney club on a one-year deal.

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Roosters 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.

“I’m looking forward to working with him.”

The Roosters said the playmaker will officially join the club for pre-season training later this month as he prepares to partner Sam Walker in the halves in 2026.

Cherry-Evans caused a stir early in the season when he announced on TV that he wouldn’t be playing at Manly beyond 2025 but wanted to continue his NRL career.

The 36-year-old won the 2011 premiership with Manly and played more than 350 games with the Sea Eagles, but he will finish his career in the Tricolours instead of the maroon and white.

Cherry-Evans is expected to take a significant pay cut to join the Roosters, and not even a late push from his premiership winning teammate and incoming Manly assistant coach Kieran Foran could convince him to stay on the Northern Beaches.

There is reportedly an option in Cherry-Evans’ contract for him to play on in 2027 depending on how his first season at the Roosters pans out.

‘DCE’ is expected to transition into a coaching role at the Roosters after 2026, but his signing means young half Hugo Savala may look to explore the open market in search of first grade opportunity.

Savala has been linked with a move to the North Queensland Cowboys, Perth Bears, Canberra Raiders and St George Illawarra Dragons.

In a boost for the Roosters, they announced young forward Blake Steep had re-signed with the club until at least the end of 2028.

Meanwhile, Manly will welcome Jamal Fogarty from the Raiders as Cherry-Evans’ replacement at halfback, while looking to develop young playmakers Joey Walsh and Onitoni Large.

Originally published as Daly Cherry-Evans’ move to Sydney Roosters officially locked in