‘They keep me young’: Why DCE’s family fuelled NRL swansong
Daly Cherry-Evans has opened up about the role his family played in motivating his journey towards this weekend’s NRL grand final.
The departing Roosters star will take the field for the final time this Sunday, facing off against the Newcastle Knights at Accor Stadium, capping off a stellar 16-year NRL career before heading to the Super League with Hull City.
DCE with his daughters. Nine News
There was plenty made about Cherry-Evans leaving the Sea Eagles at the end of last season and continuing his career with another club.
But according to the 37-year-old, the opportunity to win another premiership before heading overseas was much about himself as it was showing his daughters Navi, Harvie and Tully to always continuing chasing their dreams.
“[They] are a big reason why I’m still playing at the age I’m at is because I feel like, by me going after this job that I am so lucky to have, I feel like it inspires them to chase their dreams one day,” he told 9News Sydney on Thursday.
“My kids, like anyone’s kids, they keep me young, they keep me on my toes.
“They humble me all the time, so they’re a big reason why I’m still going and it’s going to make it all the more special this weekend having them involved.”
A grand final victory with the Roosters could be a full circle moment for the champion halfback, who has achieved just about everything in the game.
Cherry-Evans tasted premiership success in his rookie 2011 campaign with Manly and could do it again his final season and game in the NRL.
But when asked, the veteran didn’t let his mind wander from the job ahead of him.
“You’ve got to accept everything that comes with this week,” Cherry-Evans said.
“You don’t get to do these commitments if you’re not playing in the grand final. I’m definitely aware of how lucky I am to be playing in a grand final.
“But again, what I want is to win the grand final, so it’s making sure that my focus stays where I need it ... I can’t let my focus drift any further than the game.”
