The stage is set for a highly anticipated grudge match in 2026 as Daly Cherry-Evans returns to 4 Pines Park in Round 4, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a desire to make an impact. But here's where it gets controversial... While the playmaker has been tight-lipped about his next move, the tension between him and the Sea Eagles has been palpable. After dropping the 'Brookie' bombshell eight months prior, Cherry-Evans and the Roosters finally confirmed his move to Bondi, where he will join forces with Trent Robinson and James Tedesco. Just as Cooper Cronk did in 2018, Cherry-Evans will look to deliver the Provan Summons Trophy to his new team. The opening night of Round 4 will see DCE settle into his new surroundings and face a hostile reception at his old stomping ground in Brookvale. And make no mistake, the 2011 premiership, the 2013 Clive Churchill Medal, and countless match-winning field goals will be long forgotten when he emerges from the tunnel in red, white, and blue. The Sea Eagles and Roosters have been locked in a 78-year rivalry, with two grand final meetings resulting in a win apiece. And the Clive Churchill Medal winner on that October night in 2013? None other than a young Daly Cherry-Evans, despite his side's defeat. This match promises to be an emotional and highly charged affair, with the audience left to ponder: will the return of Cherry-Evans to his former club be a triumph or a tragedy? And this is the part most people miss... The rivalry between the two clubs is not just about the players, but also the fans and the history that binds them. As the match unfolds, the audience will be left to question: can the two clubs put aside their differences and focus on the game, or will the grudge match escalate into something more? The answer lies in the hands of the players and the fans, who will be watching with bated breath. So, will Cherry-Evans' return be a victory for the Roosters or a triumph for the Sea Eagles? The stage is set, and the drama is about to unfold.
