Daly Cherry-Evans scored his first try as a Rooster and the 99th of his career, delivering an early spark for Sydney in their Round 2 clash against South Sydney at Allianz Stadium on Friday night. With some neat footwork, Cherry-Evans evaded Cameron Murray and David Fifita before crossing in the 17th minute, with Sam Walker converting the try.
The 37-year-old halfback's contribution in the opening stages underscored the precision and game intelligence the Roosters paid to attract him from Manly. Cherry-Evans signed with the Sydney Roosters on a one-year deal for the 2026 season, with a player option for a second year. After a subdued debut last week where his highly anticipated debut for the Sydney Roosters against the New Zealand Warriors ended in a 42-18 loss, the veteran had a chance to make an immediate impact on home soil.
Friday's contest carried extra significance for Alex Johnston, the Rabbitohs winger who dominated the narrative heading into the match. Johnston scored his historic try with David Fifita breaking through and finding Cameron Murray who picked up Latrell Mitchell and he sends a perfectly timed pass to Johnston who scoots 40 metres to score his historic four-pointer, that's try No.213 for the Rabbitohs' favourite son, equalling Ken Irvine's long-standing record.
The Roosters had the lead and Alex Johnston had a share of the record at the end of the intriguing first half. The result represented a dramatic turnaround from Cherry-Evans' opening week performance, where defensive lapses and ill-discipline plagued the club's attack in Auckland. The Roosters were languishing in 14th after a tough opening round loss, managing just 18 points while conceding 42. Against a resurgent Rabbitohs outfit, the challenge lay in sustaining early momentum and converting opportunities into points.
The significance of Cherry-Evans' early contribution extended beyond the points on the board. He was in his second game as a Rooster looking to put an inauspicious club debut against the Warriors behind him. His crossing demonstrated the kind of attacking instinct and individual brilliance that convinced Roosters officials he could help the club chase a first premiership since 2019. For a halfback entering what could be the final season of his career, establishing immediate connection with teammates and building momentum counts for plenty.