Eels Defeat Roosters: DCE Debut & $100k Win – Match Report

A dramatic start to the 2026 NRL pre-season saw Daly Cherry-Evans’ debut for the Roosters interrupted after just four minutes by lightning in the Gosford area. Despite the disrupted beginning, the focus quickly shifted to his halves partner, Sam Walker, who demonstrated a strong performance in their first game together.

A Game Interrupted

The match between the Roosters and the Eels, eagerly anticipated by fans, was temporarily halted due to repeated lightning strikes at Polytec Stadium. Play resumed after a 45-minute delay, but the initial momentum was broken. The Eels ultimately secured a 28-22 victory, staging a comeback after trailing by ten points in the second half.

Early Promise and a Strong Finish

The Roosters led at halftime, showcasing promising combinations between Cherry-Evans and Walker. However, Parramatta rallied in the second half, scoring four unanswered tries to claim the win. This victory also secured the Eels the Pre-Season Challenge tournament title and a $100,000 prize. The Titans, despite a significant win over the Storm, did not achieve the required 10 offloads for a bonus point.

Did You Know? Daly Cherry-Evans had previously played 352 games at halfback for Manly before joining the Roosters.

Halves Partnership and Player Performances

While Cherry-Evans transitioned to a five-eighth role, Walker took charge in several key plays. Walker set up two first-half tries, scored one himself, and executed a 20/40 kick. He expressed satisfaction with their developing connection, stating, “It was a little bit touch and go for the first 20, but I feel now we’ve got our flow going and are very comfortable with each other. He’s been awesome.”

Rookie and Recruit Standouts

Jordan Samrani, in his 13th game, impressed, demonstrating his value to the team. Tommy Talau also made a strong case for a spot in Trent Robinson’s 19, surviving a high shot and scoring a try. Jack de Belin performed solidly for the Eels, but Dylan Walker’s contribution – a short ball leading to a Mitch Moses try – proved particularly impactful.

Expert Insight: The Eels’ comeback victory highlights their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, suggesting a potential for a strong showing in the upcoming season.

Looking Ahead

Mitch Moses was seen jogging laps with medical staff at halftime, but club officials downplayed any concerns, attributing it to a desire for additional conditioning. Benaiah Ioelu appears poised to replace the injured Reece Robson at hooker. A trick play faltered after the lightning delay, indicating that continued practice will be needed to refine their coordination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the delay in the Roosters vs. Eels game?

The game was delayed for 45 minutes due to repeated lightning strikes in the Gosford area.

Who won the 2026 NRL Pre-Season Challenge?

The Parramatta Eels won the tournament and the $100,000 prize.

How did Sam Walker perform in his first game with Daly Cherry-Evans?

Sam Walker thrived, setting up two first-half tries, scoring one himself, and executing a 20/40 kick.

With both the Roosters and the Eels demonstrating promising performances, what key improvements do you think each team needs to focus on as they prepare for the regular season?