Roosters veteran Daly Cherry-Evans has the opportunity to finish his NRL career the same way he began it – with a premiership.
Playing a key role as the Rooster booked their place in next week's NRL decider with a strong win over the Dolphins, Cherry-Evans reignited his partnership with halfback Sam Walker, who was electric in his injury return.
Despite his 16 years of in the competition, the star half – who joined the Roosters this year to add his experience to the squad – said he was still learning and praised his Walker for his influence.
“Sam Walker was a good player before I got here, and he's just showing everyone how good of a player he is and will be long after I'm gone, that's for sure,” Cherry-Evans said.
“It's been an absolute honour to play alongside Sam Walker, I've learned so much from him.
“Of course, I hope I have passed on some knowledge to him, but he'd be surprised at how much he's teaching me and keeping me young, I have learned so much from him.”
From the field: Daly Cherry-Evans
Next year, Cherry-Evans will head to Hull FC to play in the Super League, and no matter the result next Sunday, he will leave Australia as one of the most accomplished halves in the game.
While his move to the Roosters did raise some eyebrows initially, it has proven a masterstroke to getting the club to another grand final.
However, for Cherry-Evans, he will only count it a success if he leaves lifting another trophy.
For all the conjecture about his move - Cherry-Evans said he knew a premiership was a possibility from the very first day.
“When I signed here. It's as simple as that,” Cherry-Evans said.
“The coach, the team, the club.
“I'm just really, really proud to be playing my role within the team … (but) there's a lot of work that goes into it.
“Obviously the playing group, but then there's the coaching staff, and then there's the support of the club, so none of that's lost on me.
“Like I said, I've just got a high level of appreciation of where I am right now, but I also am not letting my focus drift too far away from what actually needs to be done this week.”
What asked to reflect on what he would take from his experience of winning the 2011 grand final as a rookie half with the Sea Eagles, Cherry-Evans said it was a memory to last a lifetime – but his life had changed so much, there was no scope for comparison.
“I'll remember that day for the rest of my life, regardless of what happens next Sunday night,” Cherry-Evans said.
“But thinking back to that, myself, my younger self that had that opportunity to be a grand final premiership winner, knowing what's on the other side of this 80 minutes, I'll be doing whatever it takes this week.
“What's on the other side is an extremely special moment for not just anyone in this team, friends, family, club.
“It's what you play for.
“I was 22 years old back then. I'm 37 now. Fifteen years is a long time for someone.
“I'll tell you what, rugby league, I'll proudly say I've grown up in the game of rugby league. I've become a father, a husband, and I'd like to think a really good team-mate.
“So I'll continue to do those things. I'll be continually motivated by my own motivations and also trying to continue to gain the respect of my teammates, and for 80 minutes, that's all that matters.
“But rugby league's been great to me.
“I love this game, and if I could finish with a special moment like a premiership, then it'd be a lifetime memory, no doubt about it.”
Match: Roosters v Knights
Grand Final -
home Team
Roosters
4th Position
away Team
Knights
7th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
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