'Disappointed if we lost any of our young guys': Another Roosters star questions Cherry-Evans pursuit

Roosters star Angus Crichton admits he has no idea where Daly Cherry-Evans fits into their roster, and hopes his signing doesn't come at the expense of any up and coming players.

His comments echo those of former Chooks larrikin Brandon Smith, who reportedly got club officials offside by giving his opinion on the same subject in the days leading up to his mid-season contract release.

Cherry-Evans is weighing up joining either the Roosters or Dolphins next season after the veteran halfback leaves his longtime home Manly.

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He will be 37 years old by the time the 2026 campaign begins.

The Chooks have gun No.7 Sam Walker signed long-term, while emerging playmakers Sandon Smith and Hugo Savala have been performing well as a duo this season, with Walker sidelined during his recovery from an ACL injury.

The Roosters also bizarrely signed veteran halfback Chad Townsend this season, who played a couple of games before being dumped from the team.

Crichton appeared on Nine's 100% Footy on Monday night and was asked how Cherry-Evans fits into the team next year.

"I don't know man, I don't know," he said.

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"You guys have probably heard more than me, I haven't heard anything. Obviously he is a great player and adds value wherever he goes.

"I would just be disappointed if we lost any of our young guys who are doing such a great job for us.

"Sando and Hugo have been huge for us this year and hopefully we can make sure everyone can stay."

Kiwi utility forward Smith angered the Roosters last month when he questioned the Cherry-Evans pursuit when speaking on 2GB's Wide World of Sports radio.

"I was hoping (the money) would go towards some of the younger players that are coming through because if they don't snap them up now, they probably won't be able to keep them," Smith said.

The Roosters lost millions of dollars worth of NRL talent over the off-season and most pundits were tipping them to finish near the bottom of the ladder.

And while they sit 12th currently, the Chooks have been praised for winning five games and being competitive in several more.

Crichton lauded the performances of the less experienced squad members.

"We have invested heavily in our young boys and they have been doing a great job for us," he said.

"I think Blake Steep has been huge for us, Solesi Foketi and now seeing Benaiah (Ioelu) come through, the young hooker is really crafty. Bobby Toia has been great.

"Both of (the young halves)... Hugo's been great, but Sando's kick is what sort of unlocked our team a bit. Being able to kick long and get into the grind of those games."

Crichton took the opportunity to have a sneaky dig at fellow 100% Footy panellist Phil Gould.

The Canterbury football boss asked Crichton about the number of the players the Bondi club lost this year.

"Somehow we still don't have any cash, and you guys keep signing everyone," Crichton joked.

"There's got to be an investigation."

Gould looked sheepish as the rest of the panel cracked up laughing.

"Wait a minute, I'm trying to be nice to you," he said.

"I can't manage your salary cap for you... you blokes have been pretty good at it."