Brad Fittler, the Roosters’ 2002 premiership-winning captain and who coached against Cherry-Evans at State of Origin level, said the veteran half might want to invest in an electric scooter or bike, like several of his new teammates.
“Hiring a Lime bike on a regular basis can become a costly exercise, even for well-paid footballers,” Fittler said.
“I know a lot of people would have loved seeing Daly finish his career at the Sea Eagles, and be that one-club player, but it will be incredibly motivating and refreshing moving to a new club. He’ll want to impress new people.
“It’s hard to criticise him for not having footy smarts. And it shows you good leadership when you understand the smarts mean you have to get in and work hard.
“He’ll complement Sam Walker well, and he’ll take that pressure off him. They’ve recruited a great halfback and a great hooker [Reece Robson].
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“When you look at the team that just won the grand final [the Broncos], they had two halfbacks aged 35. What that tells you is experience is crucial these days. Daly certainly has that.”
The NRL released its draw this week, with Cherry-Evans to return to Manly in round four on a Thursday night. He was given a rockstar reception in his 350th game, then again 13 days in his final game in club colours, and is sure to receive plenty of cheers when he runs out in the red, white and blue.
The addition of Cherry-Evans, along with the experience of James Tedesco – the runaway Dally M winner – and the rise of players like Mark Nawaqanitawase, centre Rob Toia and front-rower Naufahu Whyte has plenty of good judges tipping the Roosters to push hard for the title next year.