The rumour mill has been working overtime, swirling with speculation about Daly Cherry-Evans' potential move to the Sydney Roosters. But fans can breathe easy – those whispers have been emphatically shut down. DCE’s management has confirmed, in no uncertain terms, that a switch to the Roosters is not happening, putting an end to the ongoing speculation surrounding the star halfback’s future.

For weeks, reports have suggested the Roosters were considering a play for Cherry-Evans, potentially as a replacement for Sam Walker. The prospect of luring the experienced and highly-regarded Manly Sea Eagles captain to Bondi was undoubtedly enticing for the Roosters, who are always looking to bolster their premiership aspirations. However, the complexities of securing such a move – including salary cap considerations and DCE’s existing contract – proved insurmountable.

Adding to the confusion, recent reports even suggested the Roosters themselves were having second thoughts about pursuing the deal. This fuelled further debate amongst fans and pundits alike, with many questioning the viability of the move. However, respected rugby league journalist Ben Dobbin swiftly clarified the situation, stating that the Roosters' interest has cooled. Dobbin’s assessment, combined with the definitive statement from DCE’s camp, effectively quashes any lingering doubts.

“There’s been a lot of talk about Daly Cherry-Evans in the 2025 season, but it’s just talk,” Dobbin told Fox Sports. “The Roosters are no longer seriously pursuing him, and DCE is committed to Manly.”

This news is a significant boost for the Manly Sea Eagles, who rely heavily on Cherry-Evans' leadership and skill. The veteran playmaker is the heartbeat of the team, and his continued presence provides stability and experience as they navigate the challenges of the NRL season. Losing DCE would have been a devastating blow to Manly's ambitions, but now they can focus on building around their key asset.

The DCE saga highlights the ever-present churn of player movement in the NRL, and the constant speculation that surrounds the game's biggest stars. While the Roosters will undoubtedly explore other options to strengthen their roster, the focus now shifts back to Manly and the Sea Eagles’ quest for success. Cherry-Evans, for his part, can concentrate on leading his team and silencing the noise surrounding his future. The 2025 season promises to be exciting, but for now, DCE remains a Sea Eagle.

With this confirmation, fans can finally put the rumours to rest and look forward to seeing Cherry-Evans continue to pull on the maroon and white jersey for the foreseeable future. The saga serves as a reminder of the volatility of the NRL landscape, but ultimately, it's a positive outcome for Manly and their loyal supporters.