Daly Cherry-Evans' return to Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles as a Rooster player and its emotional impact on both club and fans
Consensus Summary
Daly Cherry-Evans made his emotional return to Brookvale Oval as a Rooster player, facing a booing Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles crowd after 352 appearances and 15 years with the club. The match, played in heavy rain and storm conditions, saw Manly lead 10-8 at halftime after two long-range tries by Jake Trbojevic and Tolu Koula, but the Roosters rallied to win 33-16. Cherry-Evans played a controlled, error-free game, completing all 22 passes and avoiding mistakes that could provoke Manly fans, despite the club's struggles this season. Manlyâs poor start to 2026âlosing all three games at homeâhas fueled fan frustration, with chants for coach Anthony Seiboldâs removal and criticism of the forward packâs inability to create territory. Cherry-Evansâ departure has also opened discussions about potential changes at the club, as his historic status makes his exit a symbol of Manlyâs uncertain future. The game highlighted Manlyâs reliance on long-range scoring from Trbojevic and Koula, while the Roostersâ attack centered around Cherry-Evans and Siua Wong, with standout performances from Naufahu Whyte and Reece Robson. Despite the emotional weight of the match, Cherry-Evans left with bragging rights, playing a familiar yet steady game that underscored his legacy at Brookvale.
â Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Daly Cherry-Evans made his first appearance for the Roosters at Brookvale Oval after leaving Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in the off-season for the 2026 NRL season
- The match took place under heavy rain and storm conditions, with lightning and flash flooding causing power cuts at Brookvale Oval an hour before kick-off
- Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles led 10-8 at halftime after scoring two long-range triesâone by Jake Trbojevic (90m) within 30 seconds of kick-off and one by Tolu Koula
- Cherry-Evans was booed by Manly fans throughout the game, including during warm-ups, team introductions, and his on-field run-on
- Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles started the 2026 season with a 0-3 record, with all three losses occurring at Brookvale Oval
- Cherry-Evans completed 22/22 passes (100% accuracy) for the Roosters in the game despite adverse conditions
- Jake Trbojevic had just two runs in 46 minutes of game time, totaling eight runs for 70 metres across three games for Manly
- Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles' forward pack struggled to create territory, with only three tackles in the Roosters' half after 30 minutes
- Cherry-Evans played a steady, controlled game for the Roosters, focusing on his strengths and avoiding errors that could provoke Manly fans
- The match ended with Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles losing 33-16 to the Roosters
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Live blog details included specific plays such as Mark Nawaqanitawase's 'outrageous offload' (one-handed stand-up tackle flick), Robert Toia's footwork bump on Luke Brooks, and Jamal Fogarty's 61-meter kick to Lindsay Collins
- Sam Walker was forced off the field with a head clash (described as 'friendly fire') after a knock-on during a move involving Luke Brooks and Jake Trbojevic
- The Roosters had 15 players to choose from, with Billy Smith injured and Hugo Savala and Egan Butcher (who failed his HIA) substituted
- A set restart allowed Manly to get over halfway for the first time since the opening set, but a try by Brandon Wakeham was disallowed due to a push by Lehi Hopoate on Billy Smith
- The Roosters had 49 tackles in Manly's half and 73% of territory by halftime
- Cherry-Evans' combination with Siua Wong was highlighted as a potential future focus for the Roosters
- Naufahu Whyte ran for more metres than Manly's starting three middles combined
- Reece Robson settled in nicely in his second start for the Roosters at hooker
- James Tedesco was 'typically prominent' and the Roosters' attack ran through Cherry-Evans more than Sam Walker
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- Article 1 mentions the Roosters had 15 players to choose from with Billy Smith off and Hugo Savala on, but Articles 2 and 3 do not mention player substitutions or injuries beyond Cherry-Evans' return
- Article 1 states the Roosters had 49 tackles in Manly's half and 73% of territory by halftime, while Articles 2 and 3 do not provide these specific tackle or territory statistics
- Article 1 describes a 'bouncing ball' not dealt with resulting in a six against Manly, which is not mentioned in Articles 2 or 3
- Article 1 highlights a 'lovely kick from Sam Walker' and a 'neat slide' by Trbojevic to save a short kick, while Articles 2 and 3 do not reference these specific plays
- Article 1 mentions a 'high shot' from Luke Brooks or Jake Simpkin early in the game, which is not referenced in Articles 2 or 3
Source Articles
Cherry-Evans's return to Brookvale a reminder of Manly's past amid an uncertain future
With Manly's season teetering on the edge, the Sea Eagles faithful welcomed former skipper Daly Cherry-Evans to Brookvale Oval in enemy colours for the first time. But it was the prodigal son who won ...
DCE's return to Brookvale was a reminder of Manlyâs past amid an uncertain future
As Manly's season teeters on the edge, the Sea Eagles faithful welcomed former skipper Daly Cherry-Evans to Brookvale Oval in enemy colours for the first time but it was the prodigal son who won the d...
Live: Cherry-Evans booed on return to Brookvale as Koula scores stunner
Daly Cherry Evans makes his first appearance at Brookvale since his off-season switch from the Sea Eagles to the Roosters, with both teams looking for a win to kick-start their 2026 NRL season. Follow...