The Sydney Roosters have finally confirmed the signing of Daly Cherry-Evans on a one-year deal for 2026, meaning Hugo Savala will be dumped from his starting spot. Cherry-Evans’ move to the Roosters was reported months ago when he announced he was leaving Manly after 15 years.
But the signing was only confirmed officially on Friday. Roosters coach Trent Robinson said in a statement: “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 are hoping Cherry-Evans can perform a similar role to the one Cooper Cronk did when he helped the Chooks win two premierships after switching from the Storm. Cronk then transitioned into a coaching role, and it’s expected Cherry-Evans will do the same when he retires.
Hugo Savala (far left) will lose his starting spot to Daly Cherry-Evans (R). Image: Getty
The 36-year-old will join the Roosters for the start of the pre-season later this month. His arrival will see him link up with Sam Walker in the Bondi club’s halves, which means Savala will have to take a back seat.
The 23-year-old Savala was a revelation for the Roosters in 2025, helping them make the finals when everyone said they would struggle. He stepped in and performed brilliantly when Walker was out injured, and eventually leapfrogged both Chad Townsend and Sandon Smith in the pecking order.
Townsend has since retired, while Smith has moved to Newcastle. Savala is viewed as the future for the Roosters, but will lose his NRL spot when Cherry-Evans arrives.
Hugo Savala was a revelation for the Roosters in 2025. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
What does Hugo Savala’s future hold at Roosters?
Many have questioned what it might do to the 23-year-old’s development, but Matty Johns believes it’s a positive thing for Savala to learn from DCE – who’s played for Australia and captained Queensland in State of Origin.
“Hugo and Sam are firing at the moment, but there is no guarantee long term,” Johns said in August. “Hugo has a lot to learn, and the most important thing is patience. It wouldn’t hurt him to play 14 (bench) if Daly is there. It won’t hurt his career.
“I don’t think the Chooks are headed for any kind of disaster if Daly is heading there. I’ve heard that Daly and Robbo (Trent Robinson) catch up quite a bit, they’re like-minded fellas.”
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Back in May, Savala declared he wants to be at the Roosters long-term. His agent had previously suggested he could explore a loan deal if DCE signed.
“I love the Roosters, I want to stay here, I’m a halfback,” he said. “I know I’m an NRL halfback. I haven’t really thought too much about it (Cherry-Evans’ arrival), I’m just trying to play the best football I can for the Sydney Roosters. I love this club.”
Will Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker work?
NRL Immortal Andrew Johns questioned whether Walker and DCE would work well together considering they both prefer playing on the right side of the ruck. “I don’t see Sam Walker and DCE being that good a partnership,” he admitted.
“DCE only plays on the right, you never see him on the left. Sammy Walker is a right-sided player and he’s instinctive and just plays and DCE is similar. You need a steady hand and to me, Walker and Savala together would really go well.”