The DCE U-Turn, Trade Window Rows, and the Global Footprint

"Cherry-Evans Watch" takes an unexpected twist this week, with Paul Kent completely reversing his earlier stance on the champion halfback’s next move. As the debate over Daly Cherry-Evans’s future intensifies, the wider Rugby League community finds itself asking whether the game now needs a proper transfer window to end the ongoing "soap opera" of mid-season player exits.

The Great DCE U-Turn: Destination Dolphins?

Despite making a strong case for a Sydney Roosters move earlier in the week, Kent has now made what he calls his "gamble of the farm"—predicting that Cherry-Evans will instead finish his career at the Dolphins. Born and raised in Redcliffe, DCE returning north would, in Kent’s view, be a poetic way to tie a "bow" on his illustrious journey. He also suspects that the seeds of this move were planted well before Christmas, revealing whispers that DCE informed Manly of his intended exit months ago and that the Dolphins may have already been circling back then, even requesting an early release that Manly refused.

As for the Roosters, Kent argues they’ve likely stepped back from the chase. While the club has a track record of snapping up seasoned campaigners, their current system is stacked with young talent—Sam Walker, Toby Rodwell and others—who might see their development stifled were DCE to arrive.

Manly’s Hunt for a Replacement: Jamal Fogarty?

With Cherry-Evans effectively gone, Manly have begun looking for his successor, and all signs point to Jamal Fogarty as their prime target. The Raiders playmaker’s contract situation is particularly intriguing: he has until Round 6 to decide whether he’ll take up his player option for 2027. Kent suggests that if Canberra fail to secure his signature within the next fortnight, Manly will move swiftly to open talks with him. For the Sea Eagles, the clock is already ticking.

Trade Windows: A Solution or a Pipe Dream?

Wayne Bennett has joined the discussion this week, calling for the introduction of an official NRL trade window to curb the chaos of mid-season transfers. He argues that the current system encourages instability and undermines clubs just weeks into a new campaign. Kent, however, remains sceptical. He claims that “nobody obeys the rules” anyway, particularly not player managers, whom he describes as “outlaws in the Wild West.” In his view, the NRL lacks the authority—or the will—to enforce its own tampering laws. Unlike in the major American sports, where such offences lead to heavy fines and bans, Rugby League’s governing body seems content with what Kent calls “a slap on the wrist.”

Yet despite the disorder, Kent acknowledges that the system’s chaos has its benefits. Rugby League loves its drama, and he recalls a conversation with former NRL CEO David Gallop, who once pointed out that “as long as they’re talking about us, they’re not talking about anyone else.” The gossip, it seems, keeps the sport in the headlines.

The Global Footprint: Buying English Super League?

Attention has also turned to the growing conversation around the NRL’s potential takeover of the English Super League. Kent hopes that if such a move goes ahead, the British competition will return to its traditional winter format—paving the way for the long-lost Kangaroo Tours, complete with midweek matches and full three-Test series. He believes Chairman Peter V’landys views the acquisition as a chance to control global broadcasting rights and transform a struggling overseas league into a profitable asset. Right now, Kent quips, the English competition feels like “NRL Light” due to the influx of Australian coaches and players. A merger or takeover, he argues, could be the key to expanding the Rugby League footprint worldwide.

Round 4 Preview: Upsets and Grudge Matches

Looking ahead to the weekend, Kent outlined a few bold predictions. In the clash between Penrith and South Sydney, he fancies the Rabbitohs to give the defending premiers a real fight with a tough, simplified game plan. For the Titans versus Roosters match, he’s backing a classic Dez Hasler-inspired upset. The Eels-Manly fixture carries added intrigue as the “DCE Factor Game,” with Kent curious to see whether Dylan Brown can justify his hefty price tag against the man dominating the headlines. And finally, while the Tigers have broken into the Top 4 for the first time since 2020, Kent believes the Warriors’ imposing forward pack will ultimately overpower them.

Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.