Daly Cherry-Evans speaks on former teammate Sam Walker’s messy contract situation, Sydney Roosters, negotiations collapse between Walker and Roosters

Daly Cherry-Evans insists neither the Roosters nor Sam Walker have done anything wrong after the spectacular contract collapse that could force the star halfback out of the club as early as next season.

Cherry-Evans and Walker combined in the halves just a few weeks ago to guide the Roosters to premiership glory, but there’s a chance the club could start the 2027 season with a brand new combination.

A special edition of NRL 360 will break down all the latest November 1 madness, including Sam Walker and Hudson Young. Catch the episode at 1pm AEDT on Fox League 502 and stream the episode on Kayo Sports.

Everyone thought Walker would be a one-club man, with a lucrative three-year offer on the table worth a reported $4.2 million.

But those negotiations broke down on Monday because of money, with the Roosters pulling the extension with a late-night media release no one saw coming.

Walker still has a year to run on his contract but the club won’t stand in his way if he can find a new home next season.

“Maybe I’m a little too emotionless with these things but not really,” Cherry-Evans replied when asked if he was saddened by the situation.

“It’s the game, it’s the business.

“I really admire the way that the Roosters have stood their ground on what they believe to be right for the club. That’s one thing that has really shone through in my time here is that they will put the club first over any one individual.

“Then from my point of view on Sam, Sam’s doing what’s best for him, his family, and his future. That’s the thing within all of this, no one’s actually done anything wrong.

“Yes, the emotions get really high and we all want to see people stay and we don’t want to see people leave, and I get it.

“But at the end of the day, no one’s doing anything wrong here. This is just a contract negotiation and I guess you guys (the media) would be out of a job if it wasn’t dramatised.”

Walker made his NRL debut with the club in 2021 and has enjoyed an incredible year, representing his state and country while also winning the grand final.

There is still a hope from some circles that the 24-year-old stays put, although that seems unlikely.

“I would back Sam to have a really long career in the NRL,” Cherry-Evans said.

“We all wanted to see it happen at the Roosters and I’m sure there’s a chance it could still happen, but it’s a game, it’s a business.

“I know we love to see our players play for one club, but the likelihood and reality of that just doesn’t happen often anymore. It’s not the player’s fault, it’s not the club’s fault, it’s just the nature of the game and where we’re at.”

Cherry-Evans is no stranger to contract dramas having signed with the Titans in 2015, only to end up staying at Manly.

His glittering career on the northern beaches ended in flames when he announced on TV that he would leave at the end of the 2025 season. He ended up at the Roosters where he won the title.

“Maybe that’s why I see it through the lens I see it through,” Cherry-Evans said.

“I have been through contract negotiations that took very public headlines, and I had a role to play within that whether I liked it or not. But I certainly learnt a lot from those periods of my career.

“Ultimately, when I was going through those things, I was putting myself and my family first. Sam’s doing the same thing now, just as the Roosters have done and hoped that they put the club first.

“So sometimes that’s a perfect recipe for what we’re watching now. It’ll figure itself out, maybe not the way that everyone wants it to, but it will eventually work itself out.”

So is the Walker situation salvageable at the Roosters?

“That question is just not something that I can help with because it’s hypothetical,” his former halves partner said.

“I’m not involved with the contract negotiations so I’ve got no idea.”

Cherry-Evans has spoken with Walker, who is in Townsville with the Kangaroos on World Cup duty.

“We’ve got a good friendship so I have spoken to him, and my first port of call as a friend is just making sure he’s going all right,” he said.

“It’s hard to rattle Sammy, or maybe he’ll never let you know how much he is stressed or not doing OK. But from what I understand and my conversations with him, he’s going well.

“He’s got good family and friends around him, so I think he’s all right.”

Cherry-Evans ruled out pulling the pin on his Super League move to stay at the Roosters, with the legendary playmaker in Bondi Junction on Thursday to promote a limited-edition run of VB cans to celebrate the club winning the NRL and NRLW titles.

NRLW great Corban Baxter was also there, with VB releasing 6000 special cases that are available at independent retailers.

“These special things or memorabilia, they’re certainly things that I’ve always cherished as a footy fan,” Cherry-Evans said.

“I was just saying before to Corban, from my 2011 experience with Manly, I’m pretty sure it was VB did the same thing and I’ve got the case at home still. So I’ll be going to the shops to try and get myself one of these as well.”