Daly Cherry-Evans starts for Roosters in Round 20 clash with Storm

Daly Cherry-Evans will start at five-eighth for the Sydney Roosters in their Round 20 NRL clash against Melbourne Storm on Friday, 16 July 2026. The match kicks off at 8pm AEST, live on Channel 9 and Fox Sports. Cherry-Evans, a key playmaker for the Roosters, leads their attack alongside halfback Sam Walker.

Team selections and key changes

The Roosters have named an unchanged starting side from their previous round, with Cherry-Evans anchoring the halves. Nat Butcher, Reece Robson, and Sam Walker return to the lineup, while Toby Rodwell joins the reserves. Melbourne Storm also field an unchanged team, with Harry Grant captaining from hooker and Oryn Keeley making his first start at second-row.

What’s at stake for Cherry-Evans and the Roosters?

With the NRL season reaching its business end, every point counts. Cherry-Evans, a veteran of the competition, will be pivotal in guiding the Roosters’ attack against a Storm side known for their defensive resilience. A win could solidify the Roosters’ position in the top eight, while Storm aim to maintain their momentum.

Match details and broadcast info

The game will be played at AAMI Park in Melbourne, with kickoff at 8pm AEST. Fans can catch the action live on Channel 9 and Fox Sports. The NSW Cup curtain-raiser between Storm and Roosters will feature Hayden Watson and Manaia Waitere, who drop out of the NRL squad.

Key players to watch

For the Roosters, Cherry-Evans’ experience and playmaking will be crucial. Storm’s Harry Grant, a dominant hooker, will look to disrupt the Roosters’ rhythm. Other players to watch include Storm’s Tyran Wishart and Trent Toelau in the halves, and Roosters’ fullback Cody Ramsey.