2025 NRL Signings Tracker: Cherry-Evans confirms move to Roosters
The Sydney Roosters have confirmed the signing of former Manly skipper Daly Cherry-Evans for the 2026 NRL season.
A veteran of 352 NRL games, Cherry-Evans debuted in 2011 and played 15 seasons at the Sea Eagles. He announced in March he would be leaving the club where he won a premiership in his first season in 2011.
Cherry-Evans declined a two-year contract offer from Manly in March but saw out the season at Brookvale and played 23 of the club’s 24 matches.
“Daly’s experience and understanding of the game will be a strong addition to our group and we’re excited to welcome him to the Roosters. I’m looking forward to working with him,” said Roosters coach Trent Robinson.
Also at the Roosters, 20-year-old Indigenous All Star Blake Steep has signed a two-year extension that takes him through to the end of the 2028 campaign.
Steep made his NRL debut in 2024 before featuring in 22 games this season as the Roosters doubled down on a talented crop of young stars.
“Blake has been a terrific addition to our NRL squad and he’s a great example of the pathways we’ve built through the Roosters Academy,” Roosters recruitment boss Joel Carbone said.
“He’s a player who works hard for every opportunity, and his growth over the past couple of seasons is a credit to his approach and consistency. We’re really pleased to see him continue his journey with us and believe he’ll play an important role in the years ahead.”
Steep’s new deal comes days after the Roosters announced Cody Ramsey had signed a two-year deal with the club.
The contract will see the 25-year-old join Trent Robinson’s side for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Ramsey left the Dragons at the end of the 2025 campaign after completing a remarkable comeback from ulcerative colitis and leading the club’s NSW Cup side to the grand final. St George Illawarra offered a train and trial deal for next year, however the Roosters offered a place in the top-30 squad.
Cody is a competitor who brings energy, toughness and genuine strike,” Roosters recruitment boss Joel Carbone said. “It says a lot about his character that he’s overcome the challenges of the last couple of years.”
“He adds terrific depth to our outside backs, and we’re excited to welcome him to the Roosters.”
The Wests Tigers have signed promising fullback Jack Attard, landing the talented teenager on a three-year deal.
Attard moves across from the Penrith pathway and will join the Tigers on a train and trial deal in 2026 before moving to the Development List in 2027 and then a promotion to the Top 30 in 2028.
“Very excited to be joining the Wests Tigers and ripping in with the boys to kick off pre-season,” Attard said.
“After speaking with Benji and seeing what’s been happening around the club, I’m looking forward to what’s ahead and being part of this group.
“There’s a lot of great players and coaches here at the Tigers and I’m keen to learn as much as I can and continue to improve my game.”
Playmaker Lachlan Ilias will call the Gold Coast home for the next two seasons after joining the Titans for the 2026 and ’27 seasons.
Ilias, 25, joins the Titans with 60 NRL appearances to his name, including stints with the Rabbitohs (2021–2024) and Dragons (2025).
He was granted a release by the Dragons from the final year of his deal.
“Lachlan is a smart, composed halfback who’s shown he can perform at the top level,” said Titans coach Josh Hannay.
“He’s got a strong kicking game, good defensive instincts, and he’ll add real depth and competition to our halves.
“We’re building a squad for 2026 that are hungry and Lachlan fits that mould perfectly.”
The signing of Ilias came on the back of the recruitment of hooker Luke Sommerton from the Panthers on a two-year deal.
The 25-year-old has made 12 NRL appearances for the Panthers since debuting late in the 2023 season.
“We know Luke is a talented young hooker who’s come through a strong system at Penrith and shown he can compete at NRL level, but it is also about Luke’s standards that he sets within the
playing group,” said Hannay.
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