Daly Cherry-Evans has ruled out a second season at the Sydney Roosters, while backing the premiers’ hard line in their stand-off with Sam Walker.
The 37-year-old, who is heading to the English Super League after the Roosters’ grand final win over Newcastle, said there would be no return to the club as a player, AAP reported.
“No, it’s all done. It’s all done,” Cherry-Evans said on Thursday.
“Look, I’m so proud of my time at the Roosters, but you won’t be seeing me back there as a player.”
No call from the Roosters
Cherry-Evans said he had not taken any phone calls from coach Trent Robinson or chairman Nick Politis since the club pulled its multi-million-dollar offer for Walker to stay beyond 2027.
Asked if he could promise he wouldn’t return, he said “No”, but made it clear he was content to finish his 16-season NRL career with a second premiership to go with his 2011 title at Manly.
Read more: Sam Walker Calls Robinson, Politis to Apologise, Report Says
‘No one’s actually done anything wrong’
Cherry-Evans, who famously backed out of a 10-year deal with Gold Coast to stay at Manly early in his career, said he didn’t find the Walker situation sad.
“It’s the game, it’s the business. I really admire the way that the Roosters have stood their ground on what they believe to be right for the club,” he said.
“And then from my point of view on Sam, Sam’s doing what’s best for him and his family and his future, so that’s the thing within all of this is – no one’s actually done anything wrong.”
Read more: Sam Walker Set to Decide Roosters Future Before Cook Islands Test
Walker ‘going well’ in Kangaroos camp
Cherry-Evans said he had been in touch with his grand final halves partner this week, with Walker in camp with the Kangaroos in Townsville for the World Cup.
“From what I understand in my conversations with him, he’s going well. He’s got good family and friends around him,” he said.
Walker becomes a free agent on Sunday, 1 November. If the Roosters release him from the final year of his contract, youngster Toby Rodwell is being earmarked as the likely No.7 replacement, according to AAP.
“I love Toby Rodwell, and I think he’s got a great future ahead,” Cherry-Evans said. “But I’m not playing hypotheticals with you.”
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