Daly Cherry-Evans' reported deal at the Roosters in 2026 could be worth significantly less than first believed.
It's been widely reported that the veteran halfback, who played a starring role in the Sea Eagles' 58-30 win over the Dolphins in his 350th NRL game on Saturday, has agreed a one-year deal with the Tricolours for next season, with a view to a coaching role beyond that.
The patchy form of Cherry-Evans' and Manly this season, as well as the emergence of local junior Hugo Savala at the Roosters, coupled the impressive return of Sam Walker from an ACL injury, had many questioning whether either side may back out of the arrangement.
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Additionally, young playmaker Sandon Smith has been linked with a departure ahead of the impending selection squeeze following Cherry-Evans' potential arrival.
Former Roosters captain and media personality Braith Anasta, however, is adamant it's all systems go on both sides.
Anasta also revealed he had "good info out of the Chooks" which may change the minds of the some of the doubters.
"[The Roosters] are not going to renege on the deal and DCE's not going to retire, so we can put a line through that," Anasta said on the BTFU Sport podcast.
"You never know, DCE could wake up after grand final day and go, 'I'm not going to commit to this.' But, at this stage, it's very unlikely and the Roosters are not going to renege.
"The reason they're not - the deal, I believe, is only $500,000.
"For a guy that's playing his 350th this week and been at the top of his game, and can still add value, even off the field. $500,000, to me, is not a huge gamble."
Anasta's co-host Reni Maitua said that information "changes everything."
Cherry-Evans is believed to be on around $1 million in 2025.
Anasta likened the move to the Roosters' acquisition of Chad Townsend for this year, who has spent most of the season in reserve grade behind the likes of Savala and Smith.
"You look at it like this, they got Chad Townsend for $350,000 and everyone of us knew it was a bad buy, but they took the risk because of his experience, he'd won a premiership, it didn't work," Anasta added.
"But what's it done to them? It's really had no impact. $350,000 to roll the dice these days isn't huge.
"He's not guaranteed a jersey, DCE.
"He's got to prove himself, step in there, have whatever role that is, but if it doesn't work, yeah you could spend that $500,000 elsewhere, but they think it's worth the risk, at that price."