Cherry-Evans rules out Roosters return amid Walker contract dispute
The Super League-bound playmaker backed Sydney’s handling of contract talks but said Sam Walker was also acting in his family’s interests.
Daly Cherry-Evans says he will not return to the Sydney Roosters for another season, supporting the club’s decision to withdraw its multi-million-dollar offer to keep Sam Walker beyond 2027.
The 37-year-old, who is heading to the English Super League, said neither chairman Nick Politis nor coach Trent Robinson had called him about returning. While declining to make a promise, he maintained his playing stint at Sydney was over.
Cherry-Evans said he was satisfied to finish his 16-season NRL career with a second premiership, having won his first with Manly in 2011. He praised the Roosters for prioritising the club in Walker’s negotiations, while saying Walker was looking after his family and future and neither party had acted wrongly.
Walker is attending the Kangaroos’ World Cup camp in Townsville. Cherry-Evans said he had spoken with his grand final halves partner and understood he was coping well, with support from family and friends. He also said Walker could still have a future at the Roosters.
Toby Rodwell is considered the likely replacement at No.7 if Sydney releases Walker from his remaining contracted year. Cherry-Evans praised Rodwell’s prospects but declined to discuss a hypothetical selection.
