How a chat with injured Rooster calmed DCE's nerves in Brookvale return

There’s not much Daly Cherry-Evans hasn’t experienced in his 356-game NRL career.  

From playing in front of a packed Accor Stadium to win the 2011 Grand Final to empty venues during the 2020 season, the experienced halfback/five-eighth has seen it all.

On Thursday night, however, Cherry-Evans finally learned what it’s like to play against the Sea-Eagles at Brookvale Oval.

In his first match against his former side since leaving for the Sydney Roosters, the 37-year-old was welcomed with a chorus of boos during the warm-ups and throughout the game, making their feelings known about his departure.

But it was Cherry-Evans who got the last laugh over the now 0-3 Sea-Eagles with the Tricolours winning 33-16.

Speaking with SEN League’s Justin Horo after the match, the former Sea-Eagles captain admitted that the nerves began to kick in when he entered the field of play for the first time as an opposition player.

While he couldn’t completely ignore them, Cherry-Evans revealed that his conversations with teammates like Spencer Leniu, who have played against their old sides just before the match, went a long way to help manage the nerves.

“I reckon (in the) warm up, it started to get a bit more real for me and a bit more nerves,” Cherry-Evans told SEN League.

“So, I was talking to some of the boys in the team that have changed clubs as well.

“I got some advice even in the sheds from Spencer (Leniu). It was really cool to talk to him (about) playing against Penrith for the first time.

“So, I made sure I got some help around it (and) made sure I was really clear on when the nerves might pop up and just went back to those processes that you follow as an athlete.”

Cherry-Evans went on to express his gratitude towards his new teammates and the importance they placed on winning this match.

“To answer it simply, to feel the effort and the care from my teammates this week,” he added.

“Now, I haven't been here a long time, but the way they made me feel during the week and out there tonight, it was important to them. I really can't thank him enough.

“It was a really nice moment, and I really enjoyed the whole occasion coming back here.

“So many great friends (here), so many great memories (at Brookvale), but to walk away with the victory was the ultimate result, so I'm really glad we got it.”

Following their win against the Sea-Eagles, the Roosters will now have the bye in Round 5.

Their next match is against the Sharks over at Optus Stadium in Perth on April 11.