The Sydney Roosters and Manly Sea Eagles are reportedly in discussions over a shock player swap deal that could reshape both teams’ rosters ahead of the 2026 NRL season.
While negotiations are still in their early stages, the proposed deal is believed to involve Roosters playmaker Sam Walker and Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans, in what would be one of the most unexpected trades in recent NRL memory.
Cherry-Evans’ Future in Question
Manly skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, 36, has yet to finalise an extension with the Sea Eagles beyond 2025, with reports suggesting he has rejected the club’s initial contract offer.
The veteran halfback — a mainstay at Brookvale since debuting in 2011 — is understood to be open to a fresh challenge to close out his illustrious career. The Roosters, seeking an experienced leader to guide their young halves and help develop Sam Walker’s successor, have reportedly shown interest.
“DCE still has a lot of good footy in him,” one NRL insider said. “He’d bring leadership, composure and a wealth of experience to a Roosters team that’s been rebuilding its identity.”
Roosters Balancing the Future and the Now
The Roosters are said to be considering offloading a key playmaker or promising utility in return, with Walker and Sandon Smith both viewed as valuable assets.
Walker, who recently signed a short-term extension reportedly worth close to $1 million per season, has become the club’s long-term playmaking hope — but the arrival of Cherry-Evans could complicate his future.
While a direct swap involving Walker would shock many, sources close to both clubs have hinted that “nothing is off the table” as negotiations continue.
“The Roosters have salary-cap flexibility after farewelling several high-profile names,” the source added, referencing the departures of Joseph Manu and Luke Keary. “They’re weighing short-term leadership against long-term investment.”
Manly’s Perspective
From Manly’s side, the potential acquisition of a young halfback like Walker would represent a generational reset.
Coach Anthony Seibold has previously stated that the Sea Eagles “need to think beyond the Cherry-Evans era,” and bringing in a 22-year-old with elite ball-playing instincts could fast-track that process.
Such a move would also alleviate salary-cap pressure, freeing up funds to strengthen their forward pack and outside backs ahead of 2026.
No Official Comment — Yet
Neither club has publicly confirmed the talks, though both have refused to rule out roster adjustments.
When asked about the rumours, Roosters football boss Daniel Anderson simply said:
“We’re always exploring opportunities to make the squad stronger. The market’s fluid — that’s all I’ll say.”
Cherry-Evans’ management, meanwhile, said the veteran half is focused on preparing for Manly’s 2026 preseason and hasn’t made any decisions about his future.
The Bigger Picture
This potential player swap underscores a growing trend in the NRL: clubs trading established stars for emerging talent, balancing experience with long-term sustainability.
If the deal goes through, it would mark the first time since 2014 that a sitting club captain has been part of a direct swap between two NRL rivals.
For now, it remains speculation — but with both teams evaluating roster reshuffles and the November 1 contract window open, this could quickly become one of the biggest stories of the 2025 off-season.
