'Nothing has been done yet': Daly Cherry-Evans will play on in 2026, confirms talks with two clubs

Daly Cherry-Evans has confirmed he will play on next season - but the Maroons skipper is yet to put pen to paper on a contract.

The 36-year-old remains unsigned beyond this year after his bombshell decision to leave the Manly Sea Eagles, with rumours linking him to the Sydney Roosters.

Speaking to media during State of Origin camp, the veteran halfback confirmed he had spoken to the Roosters and Dolphins, but no call had been made on where he will land.

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"No, I haven't signed with anyone and ... I've kept that really tight," Cherry-Evans said.

"I made it clear at the start I wasn't going to waste anyone's time with this process.

"The Roosters are someone I have spoken to, but nothing has been done yet. The Dolphins are one of the sides I have spoken to but again nothing has happened.

"I understand people will want to speculate but ultimately that's on them."

Cherry-Evans has been in the headlines since deciding he would leave the only club he had played for, but has tried to keep his focus on helping Manly on the field.

"I wanted to take my time with this, I wanted to make sure I gave myself the right process to think through it," he told 9News.

"I understand people want to know now and that's why I was trying to make sure Manly were well-informed and they could move on."

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However, with a huge Origin series on the horizon, the champion halfback wanted to make things clear about where his future lies in regards to playing on or retiring.

Cherry-Evans is adamant the question marks over his playing future won't disrupt his teammates as they prepare to win back the shield from NSW.

"The motivation is definitely there to play on next year," he said.

"When the time is right, I will sign on with a club and make an announcement, but that's highly unlikely to happen any time soon and certainly not during Origin.

"Now that we are here I don't think I will be putting anyone - both Manly and another club and this team - under any unnecessary pressure.

"I'm the only person that has to worry about or deal with it and that's the way I wanted it and that's why I've afforded myself the time to take my time.

"I have been as open and honest as possible during the whole process.

"At this level, I don't believe it will be a distraction."

Cherry-Evans will lead the Maroons into game one next Wednesday at Suncorp Stadium.