The terms of Daly Cherry-Evans’ Roosters deal for next year have been revealed, with the price tag a lot lower than anticipated.
The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield has reported that the Manly halfback is taking a significant pay cut to join the Roosters, agreeing to a $500,000 deal in 2026.
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That is significantly less than the rumoured $800,000 offer many had predicted, and less than Manly’s offer to keep Cherry-Evans.
In addition to half a million dollars, a new car will also be included in the deal. The Roosters are sponspored by car company BYD.
The cut-price deal will allow the Roosters to re-sign emerging halfback Hugo Savala on an extended deal.
In another surprise, it has been reported that it was Cherry-Evans’ camp who approached the Roosters about a potential union.
That development coupled with the reported value of the Roosters’ deal gives a clear indication into just how eroded Cherry-Evans’ relationship with Manly brass became.
Speculation around Cherry-Evans’ future has heightened in recent weeks due to the halfback’s indifferent form and the fact no deal with the Roosters has been made official.
However, unless Cherry-Evans decides to retire, he will be wearing Roosters colours in 2026.
The 36-year-old celebrated his 350th game on Saturday, turning back the clock with a stellar performance in his side’s 58-30 win to keep the Sea Eagles’ slim finals hopes alive.
Parramatta defeated the Roosters 30-10 on Saturday night in an upset that means the Tricolours are not guaranteed a top eight spot just yet.
Cherry-Evans is yet to announce where he will be playing next and no deal with the Roosters has not yet been officially confirmed.
Originally published as Surprising contract terms of DCE’s Roosters deal come to light with a stunning fresh detail