The Sydney Roosters are set to embark on their tenth consecutive finals campaign, hunting their first premiership since 2019, with a marquee off-season signing set to play a much more anticipated role than expected when he was signed.
When Daly Cherry-Evans was bought to the club after 15 seasons and 352 games at Manly, many believed he held the key to delivering the Roosters premiership success after seasons of failed September runs by the tri-colours in recent seasons.
It was a move that was merely to mentor young superstar halfback Sam Walker, the club believed he still had more to give.
Originally bought to the club to play five-eighth, partnering Walker in the halves, his role is now inevitably changing as we enter finals footy, as coach Trent Robinson has been forced into a change.
Walker's syndesmosis injury is likely to keep him sidelined for the duration of the finals series, seeing DCE slot back into his favoured halfback position, where he has spent a majority of his career at both club and representative level.
In the short time the veteran halfback has had at the Roosters, he has positively impacted the entire playing group, contributing to the club culture, both on and off the field.
When talking to Zero Tackle, star fullback James Tedesco compared the two, suggesting not a whole lot would change.
“They're both different players, but I think their mindset, their clarity of how they control the team is very similar and that's what you need," he said.
“The way Daly communicates to the team, it's like having another captain for me. I have really enjoyed his presence and his communication."
If Cherry-Evans' illustrious career in the NRL is to finish with the fairy tail ending of winning his second premiership, he will be the main steering his team around the field.
He will not be able to rely on the unpredictability that Walker's attacking flair brings to break open games, DCE and his game management will be at the forefront of the Roosters attack in September.
It's time for the 375-game veteran to step up and restore the faith the club and playing group have in him.
Hugo Savala will be his halves partner for the finals, the position he burst onto the NRL scene in 2025 before predominantly playing centre as the Rooster battles injuries throughout 2026.
With similarities in the playing styles of both the halves attack, the tri-colours may become predictable at times, stressing on the need for DCE's experience to step up and pick his moments.
The emergence of Salesi Foketi and the continued development of Siua Wong on the edges could be the circuit breaker the halves look to, in contrast to the attacking threats on the wing.
Tedesco further added when talking to Zero Tackle that with "Daly being so experienced, icing big games, kicking field goals, it's all going to come in handy." A skill set defines what is needed to win games of rugby league in the finals series.
The luxury of time has disappeared, and so has the margin for error if DCE wants to add another NRL premiership to his resume before calling time on his NRL career.
Cherry Evans opted to not take up the player option in his contract for the 2027 season, instead heading over to Super League side Hull FC.
Despite this, motivations for a strong finish revealed when talking with AAP.
"Just to keep it broad and not to single anyone out, there's some people at this club that I feel like I owe a lot to," he said.
"I'm very, very proud of and as I've said all year, I'm hoping the best is yet to come."
The Roosters took a gamble on the 37-year-old halfback and September success would be the ultimate payback.
The Roosters finals campaign begins when they take on the minor premiers, Penrith, on Sunday afternoon.
