Daly Cherry-Evans is reportedly open to the idea of making the move to Super League next season. The Australian international will be leaving NRL club Manly Sea Eagles at the end of the campaign and he has informed the club of his decision to test the market.
Cherry-Evans is 36 but continues to perform at the highest level and he has been linked with a number of clubs down under as a result. Sydney Roosters are considered favourites for his signature, with the Eastern Suburbs outfit looking for an experienced head in the halves.
But, others are keen and according to the Courier Mail in Queensland, a switch to Catalans Dragons is an option for the half-back. The report claims Cherry-Evans would be open to a move to France in a move that would likely see him play alongside former New South Wales man Luke Keary in the pivots.
Catalans are approaching what could be an off-season of change at the club, with five overseas quota players off-contract, including Chris Satae, Reimis Smith, Tariq Sims, Tevita Pangai Jr and Bayley Sironen. As such, while some could stay on, the Dragons are expected to be busy when it comes to recruitment down under.
On top of that, with Arthur Mourgue leaving to join Hull KR and the futures of Sam Tomkins and Alrix Da Costa being uncertain, a number of those changes could come in the spine. A move for Cherry-Evans, who is in the twilight years of his career, could make sense to those at the Stade Gilbert Brutus then. Perpignan will have an obvious appeal to Cherry-Evans, too, and that could be an option worth considering.
“I’m not going to chat with other clubs yet. I’ll take my time,” Cherry-Evans said when asked if he would be joining Catalans, per the Courier Mail.
“I’m also not going to engage with any clubs that I couldn’t see myself genuinely playing for so I won’t waste anyone’s time if I decide to play on.”
The Daily Telegraph claimed earlier this week that Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad could be on his way to Super League for next season, too, with the full-back set to turn down an offer to stay with the New Zealand Warriors. Catalans Dragons appear the most obvious landing spot for him with almost every other side settled at number one heading into next season.
The pair wouldn’t come cheap of course, but bringing the NRL duo to Super League would certainly demonstrate the pulling power Catalans have and in turn what they offer to the competition.
