"Shrewd signing": Why Kemp has changed his mind on DCE move

With Daly Cherry-Evans proving to be a match-winner for the Sydney Roosters once again, Denan Kemp has paid credit to the club's decision to bring him across from the Sea Eagles.

In one of the biggest moves in the NRL’s history, Cherry-Evans traded in the maroon and white jersey of Manly that he wore for 15 seasons for the red, white and blue of Easts for one last chance to lift the Provan-Summons Trophy over the off-season.

Coming in at the age of 37, there were doubts as to what impact the Queenslander could have on the field alongside a young Sam Walker in the halves.

Whilst playing as a five-eighth rather than his traditional halfback role, Cherry-Evans’ experience has proven wonders for the side.

That experience came to the fore on Thursday night. Having lost 12 of their last 13 matches against the ladder-leading Panthers, Cherry-Evans was the difference in the clash between 1st and 2nd, scoring both of Sydney’s tries to secure a 12-6 win on Thursday night.

This sees the Roosters in the box seat to claim their first minor premiership since 2018 with three rounds left before finals.

Reflecting on the signing, Kemp admitted he was unsure how it would go at the start of the season, with the former Broncos and Warriors winger leaning towards it not working out.

But following his recent performances, the 39-year-old has changed his tune on the deal.

“I wanna give the Roosters credit in regards to the DCE signing,” Kemp told SEN’s Saturday League Kick-Off.

“I'll be honest when I was asked at the start of the year (about it), I was like, let's wait and see.

“But if you had said to me, gun to head, you need to give me an answer now, was DCE a good signing for the Roosters before a ball was kicked? I would have said no.

“Because I would've said you're gonna lose Hugo Savala and also, he hasn't actually been playing that well for Manly.

“However, they have totally nailed that decision because we're getting into the business end (and) that's two games now that without DCE, they don't get close to winning it.

“Against the Bulldogs, you look across the park from them, Critta (Stephen Crichton) and (Lachie) Galvin, they didn't know how to close the game out.

“Even Sam Walker, not necessarily known for closing games out. DCE took the game by the scruff of the neck (and) closed it out.

“Against the Panthers, two tries, two running tries from DCE (and a) great long kicking game. He won them that game.

“There were some incredible performances, but DCE was the best player on the field, and I just wanna give the Roosters all the credit in the world.

“What a shrewd signing.”

The Tricolours will look to maintain their spot at the top.

They face Wests Tigers at Allianz Stadium on August 23 with kick-off taking place at 4:05pm AEST.