Daly Cherry Evans Age – NRL Veteran at 36 in 2025
Daly Cherry-Evans stands as one of the most enduring figures in Australian rugby league, currently playing at age 36. Born on 20 February 1989 in Redcliffe, Queensland, the veteran halfback has transitioned from a premiership-winning rookie with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles to a record-breaking captain and now a key signing for the Sydney Roosters. His longevity defies typical NRL career arcs, with statistics showing he remains among the competition’s elite kickers and game managers despite entering his mid-thirties.
Current records confirm Cherry-Evans celebrated his 36th birthday in February 2025, placing him among the oldest active halfbacks in the league. Research across official NRL databases, club profiles, and sporting archives consistently identifies 1989 as his birth year, though his continued elite performance often obscures the milestone. Famous Birthdays and Wikipedia both document his arrival during the Chinese Year of the Snake, establishing his generational placement within the sport’s history.
How Old is Daly Cherry-Evans?
36 years old
20 February 1989
Pisces
Millennial veteran
Cherry-Evans occupies a unique demographic position in modern rugby league. Having debuted in 2011 at age 22, he now brings 14 seasons of top-flight experience to his current club. His age places him in the upper echelon of active NRL players, particularly at the demanding halfback position where physical durability meets cognitive decision-making.
- Made NRL debut at age 22 with Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in March 2011
- Became a premiership winner in his rookie season at age 22
- Assumed Queensland State of Origin captaincy in his mid-thirties
- Holds record as oldest State of Origin captain in history
- Still ranks among top three NRL halfbacks for kicking metres at age 36
- Transitioned to third NRL club (Sydney Roosters) at age 36
- One of only two active players from the 2011 premiership-winning Manly side still competing
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daly Cherry-Evans |
| Date of Birth | 20 February 1989 |
| Age (2025) | 36 years |
| Place of Birth | Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Current Club | Sydney Roosters |
| Primary Position | Halfback |
| NRL Debut | 12 March 2011 |
| Height | 183 cm (6 ft 0 in) |
| Weight | 85 kg (13 st 5 lb) |
| Nickname | Chez |
| Junior Club | Redcliffe Dolphins |
While official NRL records and Sydney Roosters documentation confirm February 20, 1989, one outlier source lists October 20, 1988. All authoritative sporting databases, including Queensland Maroons records, adhere to the February date.
What Team and Position Does Daly Cherry-Evans Play?
Current Club Affiliation
As of the 2025 season, Cherry-Evans represents the Sydney Roosters in the NRL competition. This marks a significant career transition after 14 seasons with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, where he established franchise records for most games played and most games as captain. The move to the Roosters at age 36 represents one of the oldest high-profile club transitions for a halfback in NRL history.
Playing Position and Responsibilities
Cherry-Evans primarily occupies the halfback role, though he maintains versatility to play five-eighth or utility back when required. His position demands orchestration of attacking structures, defensive organization, and kicking responsibilities. Statistical tracking shows he leads the competition in 40/20 kicks and trails only Nathan Cleary in total kick metres across the 2024-2025 periods.
During his tenure with the Sea Eagles, Cherry-Evans established franchise benchmarks for most NRL games played, most games as captain, and most field goals as a halfback. These records remain intact despite his departure for the Roosters.
Representative Football
Beyond club football, he serves as captain for the Queensland Maroons in State of Origin. He debuted for the Maroons on 26 June 2013 at Suncorp Stadium against New South Wales, accumulating 22 appearances and 18 points. His international resume includes the Australian Kangaroos, with his debut occurring on 15 October 2022 against Fiji at age 33, followed by vice-captaincy duties and co-captaincy of the 2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s winning squad.
Where Was Daly Cherry-Evans Born and What Are His Physical Stats?
Geographic Origins
Redcliffe, Queensland, located approximately 28 kilometers northeast of Brisbane’s central business district, served as his birthplace and childhood home. This peninsula city maintains a strong rugby league tradition through the Redcliffe Dolphins, the junior club where Cherry-Evans began playing at age five. His formative years also included stints with Mackay Brothers, Sarina Crocodiles, and South’s Sharks, creating a Queensland-wide junior development pathway.
Educational Background
He attended St Patrick’s College before completing secondary education at Redcliffe State High School. These institutions sit within the Moreton Bay Region, an area producing numerous NRL talents through the 1990s and 2000s.
Physical Dimensions
Standing at 183 cm (6 feet) and weighing 85 kg, Cherry-Evans possesses standard halfback dimensions emphasizing agility and endurance over bulk. This physique has enabled him to maintain availability for over 300 first-grade games, avoiding the career-shortening injuries common to players with greater body mass in collision positions.
While Famous Birthdays confirms his marital status, specific details regarding his wife’s identity remain undisclosed across all available official documentation, respecting the family privacy boundaries maintained by the player.
How Has Daly Cherry-Evans Career Developed Over Time?
- : Born 20 February in Redcliffe, Queensland
- : NYC career with Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles under-20s (46 games, 246 points)
- : NRL debut for Manly vs Melbourne Storm on 12 March at age 22
- : Won NRL Grand Final with Manly in rookie season
- : Awarded Clive Churchill Medal; debuted for Queensland State of Origin on 26 June
- : Named Dally M Halfback of the Year
- : Assumed Manly Sea Eagles captaincy
- : Co-captained Australia to Rugby League World Cup 9s victory
- : Australian Kangaroos debut vs Fiji on 15 October
- : Became oldest State of Origin captain in history at age 34
What Facts Are Confirmed Versus Uncertain?
| Established Information | Uncertain or Private Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth: 20 February 1989 (confirmed by NRL Origin records, Queensland Rugby League, and club profiles) | Exact current salary and contract value (not disclosed in available sources) |
| Birthplace: Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia | Wife’s name and specific personal details (married status confirmed, identity private) |
| Physical stats: 183 cm height, 85 kg weight | Post-football career plans or retirement timeline |
| Current team: Sydney Roosters (NRL) | Reasons for specific date discrepancies in one outlier biography suggesting October 1988 birth |
| Representative honors: 22 Origin games, Australian international | Private family matters regarding children or extended relatives |
Why Does Age Matter for Daly Cherry-Evans NRL Career?
Rugby league traditionally operates within compressed career windows, with halfbacks historically peaking between ages 26 and 32 before physical decline accelerates. Cherry-Evans challenges this paradigm, maintaining elite kicking statistics and defensive workloads at 36. While actors such as Jessica De Gouw – Age, Arrow Huntress, Career Facts demonstrate longevity across different entertainment mediums, Cherry-Evans represents a rare physical outlier in collision sport longevity.
His age factors significantly into contractual negotiations and team construction. Unlike the Broncos vs Panthers 2025 – No Matchup Scheduled fixture, which remains hypothetical, Cherry-Evans’ availability for the 2025 season creates concrete strategic advantages for the Roosters. Sports science data suggests his durability stems from genetic factors, training methodology, and positional intelligence reducing high-impact collision rates compared to forwards.
What Do Authoritative Sources Say About Daly Cherry-Evans?
“Holds the record for most NRL field goals, oldest State of Origin player and captain, and most consecutive games as halfback for Queensland.”
— Wikipedia and NRL official statistics
“Regarded as one of the NRL era’s best halfbacks for game-reading, fitness, longevity, and clutch field goals; progressed from NYC (46 games, 246 points for Manly U20s) to premiership winner in debut year.”
— Queensland Rugby League official biography
What Are the Essential Facts About Daly Cherry-Evans Age and Career?
Daly Cherry-Evans is 36 years old, born on 20 February 1989 in Redcliffe, Queensland. The Sydney Roosters halfback stands 183 cm tall, weighs 85 kg, and maintains a playing career spanning from his 2011 debut with Manly through to the current 2025 season. His age marks him as the oldest active elite halfback in the NRL, holder of multiple longevity records including oldest State of Origin captain, yet his statistical output remains undiminished, with Sofascore data confirming continued excellence in kicking metrics and game management.
Common Questions
Is Daly Cherry-Evans married?
Yes. Biographical sources confirm his married status, though his wife’s name and specific personal details remain private and undisclosed across official sporting databases.
Has Daly Cherry-Evans won a grand final?
Yes. He won the NRL Grand Final with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in his rookie season of 2011, establishing an immediate premiership legacy.
What is Daly Cherry-Evans’ nickname?
His nickname is “Chez,” a shortened derivation of his surname used throughout his professional career.
How many State of Origin games has he played?
He has played 22 State of Origin games for Queensland, scoring 18 points, with his debut occurring on 26 June 2013.
Who is Daly Cherry-Evans’ father?
His father is Troy Evans, who played in the Brisbane Rugby League competition, establishing the family’s athletic lineage.
When did he debut for Australia?
He debuted for the Australian Kangaroos on 15 October 2022 against Fiji at age 33, later serving as vice-captain.
What junior club did he play for?
He played for the Redcliffe Dolphins from age five, later representing Mackay Brothers, Sarina Crocodiles, and South’s Sharks during his junior development.
Has he won the Clive Churchill Medal?
Yes. He won the Clive Churchill Medal in 2013, awarded to the best player in the NRL Grand Final.
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