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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Team News<\/p>\n
Sea Eagles: Brandon Wakeham starts the game at hooker and Jake Simpkin goes to the bench in a late switch. Teenage front-rower Simione Laiafi is part of the six-man bench and in the frame for an NRL debut. The prop’s potential debut comes as Siua Taukeiaho’s return from a calf injury was put on hold for another week, while Nathan Brown has also been struck down with illness. Clayton Faulalo and D’Jazirhae Pua’avase were the two players to drop out 24 hours before kick-off while Joey Walsh was omitted 90 minutes before kick-off.<\/p>\n
Roosters:\u00a0No late changes for the Roosters. Daly Cherry-Evans will wear the No.6 jersey when he returns to 4 Pines Park for the first time as a Rooster, with Sam Walker starting at halfback. Billy Smith makes his return from concussion in the centres while emerging playmaker Hugo Savala is part of the six-man bench after making a successful comeback from an ankle injury in NSW Cup last week. Benaiah Ioelu and Tom Rodwell came out of the squad in Wednesday’s 24-hour update and will return to NSW Cup.<\/p>\n
Stat Attack<\/p>\n
The Sea Eagles have a 69 per cent winning record against the Roosters at 4 Pines Park.
\nThe Roosters have won six of their last eight games against the Sea Eagles.
\nSea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic has scored six tries in his last six games at 4 Pines Park.
\nRoosters five-eighth Daly Cherry-Evans will move to outright fourth on the all-time appearances list.
\nSea Eagles centre Tolu Koula has scored 12 tries in his last 11 games at 4 Pines Park.<\/p>\n