Daly Cherry-Evans praises Roosters’ tough stance in Walker saga

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 30, 2026

Daly Cherry-Evans has backed the Sydney Roosters' tough stance in the Sam Walker contract dispute while confirming his own planned transfer to Hull FC in the Super League. He remains hopeful Walker will stay with the Roosters despite the failed contract talks and emphasized the club's confidence in its emerging young halves if changes occur.

Daly Cherry-Evans has expressed support for the Sydney Roosters’ firm position in the ongoing Sam Walker contract dispute, while reaffirming his own commitment to a move to the Super League with Hull FC. Speaking on Thursday, Cherry-Evans dismissed speculation that he might reverse his decision to leave the NRL premiers after completing a one-year deal overseas.

The veteran halfback emphasized his readiness to transition from the NRL, stating that it was time to allow younger players to take the reins and for him to embrace new challenges abroad. Cherry-Evans also touched on the deteriorating contract negotiations between Walker and the Roosters, a saga that culminated in the club withdrawing a three-year, multimillion-dollar offer. The breakdown reportedly followed prolonged discussions and a late request for a salary increase from the 24-year-old playmaker.

Despite widespread suggestions that Walker may have played his final game for the Roosters, Cherry-Evans expressed optimism about the player’s future with the club. “Sam said he wants to play at the Roosters,” Cherry-Evans said during an event launching the Roosters’ VB premiership cans, adding that unless unforeseen developments occur, he expects Walker to remain with the team in 2027. He acknowledged that this view might be overly optimistic but reflected his hope for a resolution.

Cherry-Evans praised the Roosters’ management for their decisive handling of the contract impasse, underscoring the club’s right to prioritize its strategic direction and squad composition. “The people that are making the decisions are protecting the club, and that’s fantastic. It’s just the way it should be,” he said.

In light of recent events, Cherry-Evans reported that Walker was maintaining a positive outlook, supported by family and friends. Should Walker depart or be sidelined, Cherry-Evans expressed confidence in the Roosters’ depth of young halves emerging through their development pathways, highlighting prospects such as Toby Rodwell and Reece Foley as potential future stars for the club.

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