The Sydney Roosters come into their preliminary final matchup with the Dolphins having made a bold decision surrounding their halves pairing, one that will ultimately determine their destiny in season 2026.
It comes after Sam Walker has been named for a miraculous return just 27 days after suffering a syndesmosis injury that would seemingly end his season, yet just weeks after surgery he will be taking to the field in a do-or-die clash at Suncorp Stadium.
What seems the obvious decision of pairing Walker and DCE in the halves could might well be the undoing of the Roosters premiership aspirations.
The pair have lined up together in the halves 21 times this year, winning 15 of those matches, a 71% winning record that appeals to eyes of coach Trent Robinson.
But once September footy rolls around, it is a different playing field, results go out the window and the big games are decided on big moments.
Walker and DCE's big dress rehearsal for the finals was impressive, both played a telling role in steering their side to a 12-6 victory against premiership favourites Penrith, a victory that at the time put the Eastern Suburbs club in the box seat for the minor premiership.
It was just two weeks later, Walker went down with his injury, and too the Roosters went down, finishing fourth at the end of the regular season following a three-game losing streak. A pivotal moment in the season that altered the Roosters style ahead of September.
Hugo Savala was promoted to five-eighth, DCE was shifted to halfback, and the roosters gameplay looked completely different.
The biggest difference was everyone seemed they knew their role in attack on each play and their defence looked more solid and compact.
Despite this change, the Roosters didn't capitalise. Cherry-Evans uncharacteristically failed to ice a big moment in a big game, instead of 13-all heading for extra-time, a narrow 19-12 loss to the Panthers in the first week of the finals prevailed.
To the Roosters credit they did what is required in finals footy, forget last weeks result and move onto they next. They dismantled the Sharks 46-10, landing the Roosters in the predicament they are now in.
Trust what's worked all year, or trust what is starting to work now.
Obviously Sam Walker's re-introduction to the side brings an unpredictable nature to their game, it can be their greatest asset but too their biggest weakness.
If Walker is able to reign in his creativity, build pressure and pick his moments, it will go a long way towards the Rooster causing an upset.
But if Walker is kicking early in sets with no result, playing passes that aren't on, not muscling up in defence, all in all inviting the Dolphins attack to strike, the Roosters will be in big trouble.
The biggest unknown of Walker is his injury, Robinson has deemed him to be 100%, but if Sam Walker isn't being Sam Walker, the Roosters may be gambling more than just one selection, they could be gambling away their biggest point of difference.
Undoubtedly, the Dolphins will target Walker, whether it be through kick pressure or repeated attacking forays down his side, he will be on their radar.
The flexibility of the 19-man interchange may come into play if Walker isn't right, Hugo Savala has shown he can fill the void, although not up to the creative flair of the Maroons halfback, he can do the job and still has a role left to play in this side.
On face value, coach Robinson has made the right decision, Walker is built for this occasion, he can be the circuit breaker to change the game, now it is up to him and his physical fitness to perform.
