The Mole: Six Teams Competing for Daly Cherry-Evans’ Signature, but Manly Isn’t Among Them

What lies ahead for Daly Cherry-Evans?

This is the hot topic in rugby league, and it may be some time before a resolution is reached—potentially weeks or even months.

The seasoned halfback is in no rush to make a call, but sources from Wide World of Sports indicate that it’s a six-club contest for his signature – with the Sea Eagles not in the running.

Manly quickly tabled a two-year proposal for the 36-year-old on Monday evening after initially hesitating. However, this offer seems to have come too late.

Here are the main contenders looking to secure the services of the oldest player in the NRL for the 2026/27 season.

Roosters

There were chuckles at the thought of DCE departing Manly when Wide World of Sports first reported on it last week. Now those smiles have turned into frowns.

The Roosters have the ability to offer the most enticing contract to sign the playmaker, and the possibility of a fairytale ending reminiscent of Cooper Cronk’s career is appealing to both parties.

Dragons

Coach Shane Flanagan has already created tension with his halfback Lachlan Ilias after only a few matches, leaving him eager to acquire DCE to mentor his son, Kyle. However, with Daniel Atkinson joining the club next season, things are bound to get more complicated. They’re likely to make a substantial financial offer as 2025 seems destined for another challenging year.

Dolphins

The romantic option indeed. Cherry-Evans hails from Redcliffe, beginning his journey in rugby league there at just five years old, while his father, Troy, played for the club during the original Brisbane Rugby League premiership.

Signing him would be a monumental achievement in the club’s brief history.

Titans

The underdog in this race, primarily because of the Des Hasler factor.

Cherry-Evans and Hasler enjoyed many successful seasons together at Manly, maintaining a strong friendship along the way.

Catch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Bulldogs

Toby Sexton has been performing well in the number seven jersey for the Bulldogs, but he still doesn’t quite match DCE’s ability to manage a game.

Canterbury is among the few clubs that could financially compete with the Roosters, placing them solidly in the mix.

Eels

With Dylan Brown’s recent move to the Knights freeing up $1.1 million in cap space, the Eels suddenly find themselves in a position to make a play for DCE.

Looking at yet another disappointing season, they would undoubtedly be interested in exploring the option of pairing him with Mitchell Moses.