Daly Cherry-Evans has officially joined the Sydney Roosters – and the 16 rival NRL clubs might as well concede they are now playing for second place in 2026.

When Greg Inglis joined South Sydney for the start of the 2012 season, then chief executive Shane Richardson declared the club had just won their 21st premiership. Two years later, they did just that.

The Roosters are entitled to believe they have just won their 16th title with the arrival of natural-born leader Cherry-Evans.

After months of speculation, the Roosters confirmed on Friday morning the 36-year-old former Manly skipper will be playing at Bondi next season.

Cherry-Evans played 352 games and spent 15 seasons at Brookvale, winning a premiership in his maiden 2011 season, but failed to reach an agreement with the club on a contract extension earlier this year.

It’s a loss that could come back to haunt the Sea Eagles – but one that will hugely benefit the Roosters.

Daly........

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