Daly Cherry-Evans’ Roosters debut lasted just four minutes before it was dramatically interrupted by lightning in the Gosford area, with the veteran playmaker taking a back seat to halves partner Sam Walker who thrived in their first game together.

Footy fans waited months to see how the new pair would combine, and the early signs were fantastic as the Roosters led at half-time before the Eels stormed home to win 28-22.

After 352 games at halfback for Manly, it’s going to take a long time for fans to get used to seeing Cherry-Evans in another jersey, especially in a new number now that he’s moved to five-eighth.

Walker was involved in the bigger plays, but Cherry-Evans still controlled the kicking game and even had one charged down on a night where he missed a few tackles but still looked good on the right.

“It was a little bit touch and go for the first 20, but I feel now we’ve got our flow going and are very comfortable with each other. He’s been awesome,” Walker said as he left the field at half-time.

There were no issues for Walker with his new halves partner as he set up two first-half tries and scored one of his own when he dummied to Cherry-Evans, before he nailed a 20/40 to cap a dream night that saw his new teammate come off after 50 minutes .

It will still take some time for them to properly gel, with a trick play back through the middle going awry minutes after players returned from a 45-minute lightning delay.

The Roosters had just scored through prop forward Lindsay Collins to open the scoring before an NRL official told the linesman and the referee that players had to leave the field at Polytec Stadium after repeated lightning strikes.

ROOKIE WATCH

Jordan Samrani is no longer a rookie, but the 13-gamer showed Jason Ryles that he simply must be in the squad every week.

The Eels utility showed his class with a slashing solo try last week and was even better on Saturday with two late tries to win it for the blue and golds.

COMBINATIONS

The Eels have downplayed any fitness concerns after Mitch Moses was seen jogging laps around the stadium with medical staff at half-time.

It led to fears that he’d done some damage, but club officials were adamant that he was simply trying to get some more miles into his legs given he didn’t play the second half.

Moses and new halves partner Jonah Pezet combined well at times in their first proper hitout, with the pair linking up to almost set up a spectacular Bailey Simonsson try.

For the Roosters, Benaiah Ioelu looks set to be the man to replace the injured Reece Robson at hooker over Connor Watson. He set up a try with a kick and looked good close to the line after a breakout year.

RECRUIT WATCH

Tommy Talau survived a high shot from Jack Williams to score the very next set as the experienced outside back looks to clinch a spot in Trent Robinson’s 19.

Talau is good enough to start at most teams and will be a logical replacement when players are out during the rep period. He produced a crucial ankle tap that slowed down Will Penisini before Billy Smith bundled him into touch to deny a certain try.

Jack de Belin was solid at lock as he strolled out in the blue and gold jersey, but he was outshone by fellow veteran Dylan Walker who threw a great short ball to Matt Doorey who hit a hole and set Mitch Moses up for a try.

Brian Kelly then produced a great one-on-one strip on Mark Nawaqanitawase to set up a try for the Eels.

HOT TAKE

The Maroons have an all-star halves pairing of Cameron Munster and Tom Dearden who are fresh off a famous series win.

But coach Billy Slater showed he’s not afraid to make changes after he dropped Cherry-Evans last year, with Walker surely in the mix to make his Origin debut.

FINAL SAY

The pass mark has to be a preliminary final appearance for the Roosters if everyone stays on the park, while Parramatta should be pushing for a spot in the finals as they continue to find a new identity under Ryles.