Wayne Bennett Urges Change as Daly Cherry-Evans Contract Drama Fails to Benefit the Game

Wayne Bennett has urged for reform amid the ongoing contract turmoil surrounding Daly Cherry-Evans, stating that the NRL has pressed the “self-destruct button” far too early in the season.

In a significant development this week, Cherry-Evans announced that he would be departing the Sea Eagles at the conclusion of the current season.

The 36-year-old is now considering his future, with several clubs eyeing the opportunity to secure the Queensland captain as he approaches the twilight of his distinguished career.

However, one side that will not be pursuing Cherry-Evans is South Sydney, with their head coach ruling out any interest in the experienced playmaker, despite conceding that he could bring “value” to many competing teams.

“No – we don’t have the budget available under the salary cap,” Bennett remarked. 

“He definitely has significant value. He’s practically injury-free, performs well each week, and he’s far from considering retirement – that’s one path he isn’t taking.

“If your team is lacking a halfback and struggling, you’d do everything possible to secure him. Players like this don’t become available frequently.

“Look at Adam Reynolds at Brisbane; he’s been an asset for them, and I’m confident wherever Daly ends up, he will prove to be beneficial too.”

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Cherry-Evans is not the first player to outline his major future plans so early in the 2025 season, following closely behind Dylan Brown’s $13 million transfer to the Knights.

Bennett, a well-respected figure in rugby league, suggested that such early contract announcements do not benefit the sport and has called for the introduction of a trade window, akin to what is seen in the AFL and various international competitions.

“Absolutely – you don’t see transfer news happening mid-season in Aussie rules,” Bennett remarked candidly.

“We’ve hit the self-destruct button just four weeks into the football season.

“The absurdity of our game permits this to occur. It offers nothing positive for the sport. It’s misguided, and I hope we can rectify it. It should not be allowed.”