When it comes to grudge matches in 2026 they don’t come much bigger than Daly Cherry-Evans’ return to 4 Pines Park to face the club he served with distinction for 15 seasons.

Plenty of water has passed under the Spit Bridge since DCE told the Sea Eagles he wouldn’t be suiting up for a 16th season but the tension was never far from the surface as the playmaker remained tight lipped on his next move throughout 2025.

Just as Cooper Cronk did in 2018 when he joined the Roosters after 323 games at the Storm and led the Tricolours to a title in his first season, Cherry-Evans will look to deliver the Provan Summons Trophy to his new team.

The Roosters have made a sluggish start though and are coming off a disappointing loss to the Panthers while the Sea Eagles are still searching for their first victory of the season.

Two proud clubs looking to find their mojo and kick start their season all playing out against the backdrop of DCE’s return to his old stomping ground.

Team News

Sea Eagles: Coach Anthony Seibold has named the same starting side that went down to the Knights before the bye. Teenage front-rower Simione Laiafi has been added to the interchange as he chases an NRL debut while young gun Joey Walsh is listed among the reserves. Still missing from the squad are prop Siua Taukeiaho who injured his calf in Round 1, and Nathan Brown, who is recovering from illness. Clayton Faulalo and D’Jazirhae Pua’avase are the two players to drop out 24 hours before kick-off.

Roosters: The return of centre Billy Smith from concussion sees Junior Pauga make way in the only change to Trent Robinson’s starting side. Hugo Savala made a successful return from an ankle injury in NSW Cup last week and has been named on the interchange bench. Benaiah Ioelu and Tom Rodwell came out of the squad in Wednesday’s 24-hour update and will return to NSW Cup.

Stat Attack

The Sea Eagles have a 69 per cent winning record against the Roosters at 4 Pines Park.
The Roosters have won six of their last eight games against the Sea Eagles.
Sea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic has scored six tries in his last six games at 4 Pines Park.
Roosters five-eighth Daly Cherry-Evans will move to outright fourth on the all-time appearances list.
Sea Eagles centre Tolu Koula has scored 12 tries in his last 11 games at 4 Pines Park.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.