NRL grand final 2026: Daly Cherry-Evans justifies Manly Sea Eagles exit with Clive Churchill Medal for Sydney Roosters

Daly Cherry-Evans has farewelled the NRL as a premiership winner, ending his 15-year wait to lift the trophy once more.

The 37-year-old swapped Manly for the Roosters at the end of last year for one last shot at a grand final victory before heading to the Super League.

And just as it did for Cooper Cronk in 2018 and 2019, the dramatic move paid off with Cherry-Evans’ field goal proving crucial in the 19-18 win over Newcastle on Sunday night.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow

He was almost in tears as he separated his achievement from that of the club in the immediate aftermath.

“We did it. I didn’t do anything. We did it,” Cherry-Evans told Nine.

“Thank you so much, everyone here tonight. I’m so grateful. Thank you so much for the support, I’m so lucky.”

If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your .

To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide.

Cherry-Evans “didn’t want to sound arrogant or overly confident” but said he always believed in the team.

“I’m so grateful to be part of this great club and be part of this history,” he said.

Cherry-Evans was in just his 27th NRL game when he helped the Sea Eagles win the 2011 grand final.

Now he’s a premiership winner again in his 379th and final appearance.

“I don’t know what it means but it feels amazing,” Cherry-Evans said.

“This is not just about me, it’s about my teammates, my family, the journey is about the ups and downs and it’s so amazing to finish here.”

If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your .

To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide.

Roosters captain James Tedesco and coach Trent Robinson both sung Cherry-Evans’ praises after the game.

Tedesco said Cherry-Evans’ arrival had helped him “so much on and off the field”.

“I’m so happy we could have a fairytale ending for him,” he said.

Cherry-Evans’ halves running mate Sam Walker added: “You look up to someone for so long and admire the way they play, to have the opportunity to play with him and experience the person and footballer — he’s such an amazing person. I can’t wait to really soak this in with him.”

As well as farewelling Cherry-Evans, the Roosters will also wave goodbye to Mark Nawaqanitawse and Angus Crichton as they both head to rugby union.

But there is enough youth and class in the team to suggest another crack at the title in 2027 with Robert Toia, Naufahu Whyte, Salesi Foketi and Siua Wong on deck.