NRL 2026, Sydney Roosters, best 17, injuries, Daly Cherry-Evans, James Tedesco, signings

Author: Cameron Mee NRL Reporter
Timestamp: Fri 30 Jan 2026, 08:01 AM

Daly Cherry-Evans has his sights on premiership success as he prepares to step into a talent-laden Roosters side.

Fans and officials are hoping the former Manly skipper will have a similar effect as Cooper Cronk, who led the club to back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019 after joining from Melbourne for the final two years of his career.

Turning 37 in February, Cherry-Evans is older than Cronk was when he joined the Roosters and endured a challenging final season at the Sea Eagles.

Despite this, he remains one of the game's elite playmakers and is set to link up with Sam Walker in the halves.

'Proud to be a Rooster': Cherry-Evans ready for next chapter

How the pair combine will go a long way to deciding the Roosters fate this season, with both men typically ball-dominant halves.

Cherry-Evans won't have to wait long to play his former club, with the Roosters travelling to 4 Pines Park to face Manly in Round 4.

The halfback is set to slot into a star-studded backline led by reigning Dally M Medallist James Tedesco.

The 33-year-old enjoyed the best year of his career in 2025 and will be looking to back that up this season.

Winger Daniel Tupou also continues to age like a fine wine, while Mark Nawaqanitawase is an excitement machine who can produce a try out of nowhere.

Most-watched NRL tries of 2025: 1

Cherry-Evans and Walker will have the luxury of playing behind one of the biggest packs in the competition, with Spencer Leniu and Lindsay Collins leading the way up front.

Throw in Naufahu Whyte, Angus Crichton, Victor Radley and Siua Wong and the Roosters will look to dominate teams up front.

While all the focus this summer has been on the impact of Cherry-Evans' arrival, the side's other off-season recruit has flown under the radar.

Reece Robson is the NSW hooker and will have plenty of opportunities to snipe around the base of the ruck.

The former Cowboy is set to form a one-two punch with utility Connor Watson, who will likely bring the impact off the bench while covering multiple positions.

The Roosters exceeded expectations to finish in eighth place in 2025 in what was viewed by many as a rebuilding year. The pressure to perform this season will be considerably greater as they chase their first premiership since 2019.