EXCLUSIVE: Phil Gould raises major question marks over potential Daly Cherry-Evans move

Phil Gould has raised major question marks over Daly Cherry-Evans' rumoured move to the Sydney Roosters, claiming it could 'inhibit' the current halves at the club.

The 36-year-old remains without a contract for next season after informing Sea Eagles officials that he would not be extending his tenure.

A host of rivals have been linked with the Maroons skipper, but the club who have been at the forefront of the discussion is the Roosters.

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With cash to splash and their trademark win-now mentality, the Bondi-based outfit could be a definite landing spot for Cherry-Evans, should he wish to continue his career.

However, speaking on Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles With Gus, the former Roosters coach pointed out the impact it could have on Sam Walker and Sandon Smith.

"I know there's been a lot of rumours and a lot of interest in Daly Cherry-Evans from the Roosters ... I can't understand that," Gould said.

"They've got Sam Walker to come back, and they've got this young fella, Sandon Smith, who I've really rated for a long time, he's a great kid and getting better. His performance on Anzac Day was extraordinary and they've still got Sam Walker to come back yet.

"If they intended on playing Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker in the same team, one of them is going to have to change their role. One of them is going to have to play five-eighth and play left - and it's not going be Daly Cherry-Evans.

"I think it inhibits Sam Walker's development as a game-managing halfback for a couple of years while he hands the reins over to Daly Cherry-Evans. They might be able to say, Daly can teach him the ropes ... but I honestly don't get it.

"I don't see why the Roosters need Daly Cherry-Evans. Nothing against Daly Cherry-Evans, you know what I think of him. He's an astonishing player and he's still in great form, but Sandon Smith and Sam Walker are surely their long-term combination.

"The sooner they get playing together the better. That's my take on it."

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Walker has been sidelined since the back-end of the 2024 campaign, with Smith having played alongside both Chad Townsend and Hugo Savala this year.

Gould believes the early development shown by local junior Savala in the top grade, as well as the emergence of Toby Rodwell beneath would hold the Chooks in good stead.

"Hugo improves by the week, he's always a handy backstop for both of them," he said.

"They've got some brilliant young halves coming through and young fellas in the lower grades that I think have got great potential. I think they're well served in that area.

"They're a club that always like bright, shiny things. They love their shiny toys and they love having the best around. And I guess when Daly Cherry-Evans comes on the market, it's more about no one else having him. They don't want anyone else to have them.

"But I don't see it. I don't see why they need him. I really don't … perhaps they think their best chance of winning games for their fans and their sponsors is to bring in Daly Cherry-Evans, who's a proven game winner.

"But, you know, it's going to be a hard call on the other boys."