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 match of the 2026 NRL season, marking the first time he faced his former club in 15 years and 352 appearances. Despite heavy rain and storm conditions, Manly-Warringah lost 33-16 to the Roosters, starting their season with a 0-3 record. Cherry-Evans, who was booed by Manly fans throughout the game, played a steady and controlled game, avoiding major errors and contributing to the Roosters' attack. The match highlighted Manlyâs struggles, particularly in their forward pack, with Jake Trbojevic recording minimal impact and the team failing to create territory effectively. Cherry-Evansâ departure has intensified internal discussions about Manlyâs future, with fans and media questioning the clubâs direction amid their poor start. The game also served as a poignant moment for Cherry-Evans, who left his former home with a mix of nostalgia and new opportunities, while Manly faces a challenging road ahead.
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 in the off-season
- The match took place on the opening weekend of the 2026 NRL season with Manly losing 33-16 to the Roosters
- Cherry-Evans was booed by Manly fans during warm-ups, team introductions, and throughout the game
- Manly started the 2026 season with a 0-3 record, all losses occurring at Brookvale Oval
- Cherry-Evans played a controlled, steady game for the Roosters, with no major errors or standout moments
- Manly's forward pack struggled to create territory, with Jake Trbojevic recording just 8 runs for 70 metres across three games
- The game was played in heavy rain and storm conditions, with power cuts and flooding affecting the venue
- Cherry-Evans had 352 appearances for Manly-Warringah over 15 years before his departure
- Manly fans chanted 'Seibold out' with 10 minutes remaining in the match
- Tolu Koula scored a solo try in the first half for the Roosters, described as a 'stunner' by ABC
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Cherry-Evans was described as playing 'tight and controlled,' hiding his weaknesses and playing to his strengths
- Cherry-Evans' combination with Siua Wong was highlighted as a potential future focus for the Roosters
- The article mentions 'Cherry's a wanker' chant was more of a pantomime than genuine venom
- Cherry-Evans was described as 'emerging from the tunnel and back onto the pitch he has played on hundreds of times but never once like this'
- The article notes Cherry-Evans' performance was 'recognisable, the kind of game he played a hundred times or more at this very ground'
- Cherry-Evans' return was framed as a 'reminder of Manlyâs past amid an uncertain future'
- The article mentions Cherry-Evans' departure has emboldened Manly to consider changes, including his own future
- Cherry-Evans' performance included 22/22 pass completion rate in appalling wet conditions
- The article highlights Cherry-Evans' 'bragging rights' and 'promise of a few brighter tomorrows' after his departure
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- Article 1 and 3 both describe Cherry-Evans' performance as controlled and steady, but Article 2's live blog focuses more on tactical breakdowns and individual plays without summarizing his overall performance
- Article 1 and 3 mention Cherry-Evans' departure has emboldened Manly to consider changes, but Article 2 does not explicitly address this aspect
- Article 1 and 3 describe the 'Cherry's a wanker' chant as more of a pantomime, while Article 2 does not comment on the tone of the booing
- Article 1 and 3 mention Cherry-Evans' departure has not followed him out the door in terms of fan sentiment, but Article 2 does not elaborate on this
- Article 1 and 3 mention Cherry-Evans' return as a 'reminder of Manlyâs past,' but Article 2 focuses more on the immediate game dynamics and live updates
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 ...
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...
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...