Daly Cherry-Evans' return to Manly-Warringah as a Rooster amid the club's early-season struggles
Consensus Summary
Daly Cherry-Evans made his highly anticipated return to Brookvale Oval as a Rooster in the opening game of the 2026 NRL season, marking his first appearance against his former club Manly-Warringah in enemy colours. Despite severe weather conditions, including a storm that disrupted the match, Manly lost 33-16, extending their losing streak to three games at home. Cherry-Evans, who left Manly after 352 appearances and 15 years, was met with booing from fans throughout the game, though the reaction was more playful than venomous. His performance for the Roosters was steady and controlled, with no standout moments but solid contributions, particularly in passing and edge running. Meanwhile, Manlyâs early-season struggles were evident, with their forward pack underperforming and fans expressing frustration, including chants for coach Anthony Seiboldâs removal. The game highlighted the emotional weight of Cherry-Evansâ departure and the challenges facing Manly as they look to rebuild amid uncertainty. His return served as a poignant reminder of the clubâs storied history, contrasting sharply with their uncertain future.
â Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Daly Cherry-Evans made his first appearance for the Roosters at Brookvale Oval on the opening day of the 2026 NRL season after leaving Manly-Warringah in the off-season
- Manly-Warringah lost to the Roosters 33-16 in their first game of the 2026 season, with all three losses to date occurring at Brookvale Oval
- Cherry-Evans was booed by Manly fans during warm-ups, team introductions, and throughout the game, including chants like 'Cherry's a wanker'
- The match took place despite severe weather conditions, including a storm with lightning, thunder, and flash flooding that caused power outages at Brookvale Oval
- Cherry-Evans played a steady, controlled game for the Roosters, with 22/22 pass completion rate and no major errors or standout moments
- Manly's forward pack struggled early in the season, with Jake Trbojevic recording just 8 runs for 70 metres across three games
- Cherry-Evans left Manly-Warringah after 352 appearances and 15 years at the club
- The game was Cherry-Evans' first time playing against his former club in enemy colours
- Manly fans chanted 'Seibold out' with 10 minutes remaining in the game, indicating dissatisfaction with the coach
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Cherry-Evans' return was described as a 'reminder of Manly's past amid an uncertain future' with the club facing a 'long, hard road'
- Cherry-Evans' performance was described as 'tidy' and 'recognisable' with no headline moments, but he played to his strengths
- The article highlights that Cherry-Evans' departure has emboldened Manly to consider significant changes, including potential player exits
- Cherry-Evans' combination with Siua Wong was noted as a 'combination to watch' in the weeks to come
- The article mentions that Cherry-Evans' return was 'emotional' and that he 'didnât need any bitterness' as he left
- Cherry-Evans' performance included a 'blistering 90-metre try' scored by Tom Trbojevic and a 'magnificent solo effort' by Tolu Koula for Manly in the first half
- The article notes that Cherry-Evans' departure has made it easier for Manly to make changes, as 'if a player so steeped in the club's history can hit the road, there's nobody who can't follow'
- Cherry-Evans' return was described as a 'pantomime quality' with booing devolving into laughter, indicating a lack of true venom
- The article mentions that Cherry-Evans' departure saga was 'long and winding' but fans do not blame him for the club's struggles
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- Article 1 and 3 both state Cherry-Evans was booed throughout the game, but Article 2's live blog does not explicitly detail the extent of the booing beyond the opening moments
- Article 1 and 3 mention that Cherry-Evans' departure has emboldened Manly to make changes, but Article 2 does not discuss this aspect
- Article 1 and 3 describe Cherry-Evans' performance as 'tidy' and 'controlled,' while Article 2's live blog focuses more on the Roosters' tactical play and missed opportunities rather than Cherry-Evans' individual performance
- Article 1 and 3 highlight that Cherry-Evans' departure has made it easier for Manly to make player changes, but Article 2 does not mention this implication
- Article 1 and 3 mention that Cherry-Evans' return was a 'reminder of Manlyâs past amid an uncertain future,' but Article 2's headline focuses more on the live action and Koula's stunner
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...