Daly Cherry-Evans shoulders blame as Roosters face

Daly Cherry-Evans is under the microscope after a costly error sent the Sydney Roosters into a sudden-death NRL semi-final. The veteran halfback missed a late field goal attempt and conceded a seven-tackle set in the final 10 minutes of last Sunday's 19-12 finals loss to the Penrith Panthers, a result that forces a do-or-die clash with the Cronulla Sharks this Saturday.

Cherry-Evans accepts responsibility for finals error

Captain James Tedesco revealed Cherry-Evans immediately took the blame for the defeat. The 37-year-old's errant field goal sailed wide after the Roosters had fought back to level the scores, with Penrith's Nathan Cleary nailing his own attempt soon after. "Straight away he accepted it, and as a team, you don't dump that all on him," Tedesco said. He defended his playmaker's record, pointing out Cherry-Evans has delivered in clutch moments throughout the season to get the side into finals contention. The team's review session was reportedly a tough watch, but the focus has shifted to the must-win game against Cronulla.

Sam Walker's recovery timeline extends

In a significant blow, the Roosters have confirmed star half Sam Walker will not be rushed back for the semi-final. Walker, 24, underwent ankle surgery after a syndesmosis injury in Round 26 and was considered an outside chance. Coach Trent Robinson has opted for caution, leaving the young playmaker on ice for at least another week. "It's only been a couple of weeks, so he's probably got another week or so I'm guessing," Tedesco said, though he noted Walker had begun running already, a positive sign. His continued absence places more responsibility on Cherry-Evans' shoulders in the key playmaking role.

Cherry-Evans backs Walker to replicate his own miracle comeback

Despite the setback, Cherry-Evans is using his own experience to fuel Walker's recovery hopes. He suffered an identical injury in Round 7 of 2019 and famously returned in just over four weeks to captain Queensland in that year's State of Origin opener. "I’ve tried to share my experience with him," Cherry-Evans said. He believes the injury allows for a quick return, suggesting Walker's season may not be over. "He’s lucky in the sense that it’s not a season-ending one, he’s still got a chance," Cherry-Evans added, framing the challenge as a choice between despair and determination.

The Roosters' finals campaign now hinges on handling a brutal sudden-death fixture without one of their key creators. All eyes will be on how Cherry-Evans responds to last week's pressure under the even brighter lights of an elimination final.

• Daly Cherry-Evans conceded a critical seven-tackle set and missed a late field goal in the Roosters' 19-12 finals loss to Penrith.
• Sam Walker has been ruled out of the sudden-death semi-final against Cronulla as he recovers from ankle surgery.
• Cherry-Evans made a miracle four-week recovery from the same injury in 2019 and is advising Walker on his rehab.
• The Roosters face the Cronulla Sharks in a do-or-die semi-final this Saturday, 19 September 2026.