James Tedesco believes Daly Cherry-Evans possesses qualities reminiscent of Cooper Cronk, as the veteran halfback looks to deliver a similar influence following his headline-grabbing switch to the Sydney Roosters.
The Roosters gathered at Bondi Beach early on Tuesday morning, taking part in a light touch-footy session and engaging with fans, just five weeks after Australia’s deadliest terror attack at the iconic location.
The Tricolours had already visited Bondi last month to pay their respects to the victims of the tragedy, which occurred just six kilometres from the club’s Moore Park base.
“Bondi is really the heart of our club,” Tedesco said.
“We’ve spent a lot of time down here as a team and as an organisation. It’s important for us to support this community.”
High-profile off-season recruit Cherry-Evans was heavily involved during the beach session, continuing his transition into Roosters colours after a remarkable Manly career that included a club-record 352 appearances.
Even Roosters captain Tedesco admitted it took some time to adjust to seeing the 36-year-old in the red, white and blue.
“It feels normal now, but at first it was a bit strange,” he said.
“He’s been at Manly his whole career, so it definitely took some getting used to.”
As Cherry-Evans settles into his new surroundings this pre-season, comparisons with former Roosters great Cooper Cronk have begun to emerge. Like Cherry-Evans, Cronk joined the club late in his career after becoming synonymous with his original team.
Both players are widely respected for their football intelligence, leadership qualities and elite kicking games.
“There are similarities in their leadership, experience, communication and the clarity they bring when addressing the team,” Tedesco said.
Cronk famously went on to guide the Roosters to back-to-back premierships in 2018 and 2019, including a heroic grand final performance while playing with a fractured scapula.
With Cherry-Evans and NSW hooker Reece Robson arriving this off-season, the Roosters appear well-positioned to mount a genuine premiership challenge as they seek to improve on their week-one finals exit in 2025.
Tedesco acknowledged the Cronk comparisons are likely to persist but stressed that Cherry-Evans will forge his own path.
“People will always make that comparison, but it’s a new team, a new environment and a different time,” he said.
“He has similar traits, but he also brings his own strengths and skill set.”
Much like Cooper Cronk before him, Daly Cherry-Evans is already helping elevate James Tedesco’s game — a daunting prospect for rivals following the fullback’s Dally M Medal-winning 2025 season.
Tedesco admitted Cherry-Evans’ arrival has eased his leadership load within the side.
“Having Daly come into the team takes a lot of pressure off me,” he said.
“I’m not the main voice anymore.”
One player most affected by Cherry-Evans’ recruitment appears to be local junior Hugo Savala, who has handed over the halfback role despite an impressive rookie campaign last season. However, Tedesco was quick to dismiss any suggestion of friction, stressing there has been “no tension at all” as Savala has trained across multiple positions throughout the pre-season.
Originally developed as a No.7, Savala’s late growth spurt has seen his skill set adapt well to roles in the outside backs or potentially the back row.
“I know he’s going to play a lot of footy this year, whatever position we need him in,” Tedesco said.
The Roosters’ Bondi Beach appearance also followed reports that winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has agreed to a lucrative move to Japanese rugby union from 2027.
The former Wallaby confirmed his future plans shortly after a standout 2025 campaign, which earned him Dally M Winger of the Year honours. Despite the speculation surrounding his departure, Tedesco said opponents would be foolish to underestimate Nawaqanitawase if 2026 proves to be his final season in the NRL.
“Teams are probably more aware of him now,” Tedesco said.
“He was a bit more unknown last year.”
Tedesco added the door would remain open for a future return.
“He’d always be welcome back here,” he said.
“He loves the area and he loves the club.”
