‘Special’ swansong looms for DCE as 16-year career comes full-circle
Daly Cherry-Evans couldn’t hide his emotions as it sunk in that his 379th and final NRL appearance will come in a grand final for the Roosters.
The star playmaker was vital in leading the Chooks towards a 36-20 win over the Dolphins, who were cheered on by a stacked crowd at Suncorp Stadium.
Daly Cherry-Evans is just 80 minutes away from his final Roosters game. NRL Imagery
The Roosters were forced to take the long road to secure their spot in the grand final, having lost the first qualifying game 19-12 against the Penrith Panthers.
While the next two games against the Sharks and Dolphins were solid wins for the Roosters, players still had to dig deep to find the perfect formula to find victory.
A number of things were motivating all competing in the preliminary final, but for Cherry-Evans the idea it could be his last time with the Roosters was front of mind.
But like all class players, Cherry-Evans, who is preparing to pack up and join Hull FC in the Super League, refused to lose focus of the job still at hand.
“It is special, absolutely no doubt about it,” he told Nine.
“I’ll be honest, I’m so proud to be part of this great club and this great team, but if you ask anyone, there’s still more work to be done.
“Sometimes you can get caught up in how the game’s played, wins or losses, but when it’s all said and done, when the moments come – you have to deliver.
“We took a hell of a lot from that first week of finals and from there, we’ve really unlocked a few things. We’re going in with our heads held high and chests out.”
The 37-year-old delivered a glowing review of his team’s forward pack, recognising their “outstanding” work week-in, week-out in helping the Roosters find success.
“So many games of rugby league are won through the middle of the field. Our forward pack ... I can’t thank them enough,” Cherry-Evans said.
“They have been working tirelessly all year, so if we can give them opportunities, they can do their job.”
While his focus is on the next game ahead, Cherry-Evans had one final message for the crowd as he bid farewell to the ground he has had great success.
“Queensland is a very special part of my footy career and my life, so thanks very much to everyone for your support over the years,” he ended.
Daly Cherry-Evans speaks to Nine post-game. Nine
The grand final will be a full circle moment for Cherry-Evans as he played and won the premiership in his rookie season in 2011 with the Manly Sea Eagles.
The decision to leave Manly at the end of last season came with the responsibility of helping the Roosters find premiership glory for the first time since 2019.
In the looming grand final match, the playmaker will reach 379 NRL matches, second behind only Cameron Smith in the sport’s history.
The Roosters will learn who their grand final opponent will be when the full-time siren sounds between the Panthers and Knights on Sunday afternoon.
