GOSFORD, Australia – Daly Cherry-Evans’ highly anticipated debut for the Sydney Roosters was dramatically curtailed on Saturday, lasting just four minutes before a lightning storm forced a suspension of play in the NRL pre-season trial match against the Parramatta Eels at Polytec Stadium. Play resumed after a 45-minute delay.
The Roosters had opened the scoring through prop Lindsay Collins before the inclement weather intervened. An NRL official instructed the linesman and referee to halt proceedings as lightning repeatedly struck in the vicinity of the ground, prioritizing the safety of players and officials.
Cherry-Evans, transitioning from a storied 352-game career at halfback for the Manly Sea Eagles to a new role as a five-eighth for the Roosters, hadn’t yet touched the ball through three sets of six when the storm hit. His combination with fellow half Sam Walker was briefly glimpsed as Walker set up Collins’ try with a well-placed kick.
The unusual circumstances surrounding Cherry-Evans’ first appearance in Roosters colors undoubtedly added an element of the surreal to the occasion. Fans are still adjusting to the sight of the veteran playmaker in a different jersey, particularly given his shift in position. The early stages of the match offered a fleeting preview of the potential synergy between Cherry-Evans and Walker, but the weather denied supporters a more extended look at the new partnership.
The delay presented a significant disruption to the flow of the trial match, a key component of both teams’ preparations for the 2026 NRL season. Pre-season trials are crucial for coaches to experiment with different combinations, assess player fitness, and refine game plans before the competitive season begins. The interruption forced both Roosters coach Trent Robinson and Eels coach Brad Arthur to reassess their strategies and manage player preparation under unforeseen circumstances.
The resumption of play saw both teams eager to regain momentum. The match provided an early opportunity to gauge the impact of Cherry-Evans’ move to five-eighth. While the initial minutes were limited, the potential for his experience and playmaking ability to unlock the Roosters’ attack is evident. The trial also offered a first look at the Eels’ new recruits and their evolving game structure.
The incident highlights the challenges posed by unpredictable weather conditions in outdoor sports. NRL officials are trained to prioritize player safety and adhere to strict protocols regarding lightning strikes. The decision to suspend play was a precautionary measure, reflecting the league’s commitment to the well-being of those involved.
The match is part of a broader series of pre-season trials taking place across the NRL. Other notable results from Saturday, , included the Canberra Raiders defeating the New Zealand Warriors 30-8, the Penrith Panthers overcoming the Cronulla Sharks 28-22, and the Brisbane Broncos dominating the Roosters in a later match with a score of 50-14. Further trials saw the Wests Tigers fall to the Newcastle Knights 8-10, the South Sydney Rabbitohs edge past the Gold Coast Dolphins 16-14, the St. George Illawarra Dragons lose to the Canterbury Bulldogs 20-28, the Manly Sea Eagles triumph over the North Queensland Cowboys 42-12, and the Melbourne Storm defeat the Parramatta Eels 56-18.
Fans can watch the 2026 NRL Pre-season series live and ad-break free on FOX LEAGUE, available through Kayo Sports. A subscription to Kayo Sports is required, with new subscribers able to join for their first month for $1.
For those following the Roosters-Eels trial specifically, a live score and match centre are available at foxsports.com.au. A live blog providing minute-by-minute updates is also available, accessible through the same link or directly at go.arena.im.
The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live sports and the importance of prioritizing player safety. While Cherry-Evans’ debut was briefly interrupted, the resumption of play allowed both teams to continue their preparations for the upcoming NRL season.
