DCE’s field-goal seals full circle ‘fairy tale’ ending to NRL career
Daly Cherry-Evans has finished his career the same way he started it, only this time he was wearing different colours when he lifted the premiership trophy.
The Sydney Roosters′ 19-18 victory over the Newcastle Knights put an end to Cherry-Evans’ premiership drought, ensuring he made history for the all-time longest gap between titles.
An overjoyed Daly Cherry-Evans celebrates winning the grand final with the Sydney Roosters. Nine
The 37-year-old has featured in three grand finals over his 379-game career, but prior to Sunday he had only ever lifted the Provan-Summons trophy in his first season in the NRL.
When he stepped onto the field as the modern era’s oldest player to play in a grand final, that experience certainly proved useful for his team.
And the veteran had his moment, putting the Roosters within touching distance of victory after kicking a field-goal from close range with 10 minutes left on the clock, to give the Roosters a seven-point buffer, which would ultimately prove decisive.
In commentary for Nine, Billy Slater was quick to note that no-one else on the field was considering a field-goal other than Cherry-Evans, who kept calm as he nailed his attempt.
“That is why he was brought to this club,” Slater said as Roosters players celebrated their step closer to glory.
“Just for those moments. No one was thinking field goal. He is wise, he is experienced, and it all counts.”
It marked the 32nd field-goal he had successfully kicked in his NRL career.
“In close games with 10 to go, sometimes you just gotta do it,” Cherry-Evans told Nine after the game.
“I am so grateful to be part of this great club and add to its history.”
While the Knights managed to turn the game on its head and force the Roosters into a desperate final minute of defence thanks to a 77th minute Greg Marzhew try, the Tricolours held on and got the job done, just as their NRLW counterparts did.
Cherry-Evans joins the likes of Darren Lockyer, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk to finish up his NRL career with a fresh premiership ring on his finger.
“We did it. I didn’t do anything, we did it,” Cherry-Evans, who has waited 15 years for this moment, continued post-match.
“I didn’t want to sound arrogant or overly confident, but I had so much belief in this club, the players and our coach. This is what it is all about.
“Thank you so much to everyone who is here tonight, I am so grateful. Thank you so much for the support, it has been an amazing journey. I am so lucky.
“But this is not just about me. It is about my teammates and my family. The journey is all about the ups and downs, it’s so amazing to finish here.”
Cherry-Evans is tackled during the NRL grand final. Getty Images
James Tedesco could not speak more highly of his senior teammate post-game.
“He has helped me so much on and off the field,” the 2026 Clive Churchill medallist told Nine.
“We got him to ice those big moments and that is exactly what he has done. I am so happy we could have a fairytale ending for him.”
Once the grand final celebrations are complete, Cherry-Evans and his family will make the move to England where he will continue his career in the Super League.
Cherry-Evans has inked a one-year deal with Hull FC for the 2027 season.
He departs the NRL as a seven-series State of Origin captain, two-time World Cup winner, two-time premiership winner and also the 2013 Clive Churchill Medallist.
