Sam Walker thrives alongside veteran in Roosters halves pairing

Daly Cherry-Evans has new colours, a new number and a new remit – truly unlocking the game’s most creative playmaker, and arguably his heir apparent.

A day after his 37th birthday – Cherry-Evans is now the third-oldest player to step out in the NRL era – the Roosters star recruit combined with Sam Walker for the first time in this year’s most anticipated signing storyline.

Lightning delays and an eventual Saturday night trial loss to the Eels aside, Walker thrived in his first hit-out with the former Manly champion.

The Tricolours livewire finished a promising 50-minute stint in Gosford as he dummied his way over for a solo try alongside two assists and a 40-20, with Cherry-Evans taking on the majority of kicking and game management duties wearing the No.6.

Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold has already noted the similarities between Walker and Cherry-Evans as particularly unpredictable halves, while Trent Robinson said pre-game he sees Walker “growing into a really dominant half of the game, but he’s also got some creativity that we want him to express.”

After 15 years and 352 NRL games, Cherry-Evans is now a key part of what could well be the game’s most lethal playmaking spine.

“Being in a new club, I’ll naturally adapt to what the team needs,” Cherry-Evans said after his first outing in red, white and blue.

“Naturally, I’m going to have that halfback mindset, that older, experienced leadership mentality. If I can have Sam Walker thinking more freely, then that’s definitely part of my job.