2025 NRL Signings Tracker: Bulldogs Extend Salmon, DCE to Leave Manly
The 2025 NRL season is fast approaching, and the player market is heating up as clubs work to secure their rosters for the upcoming year. Two key updates have emerged in the NRL signings tracker, with the Canterbury Bulldogs extending the contract of talented back Cameron Salmon, while veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans (DCE) is set to depart the Manly Sea Eagles, marking the end of an era for the club.
Bulldogs Lock in Salmon for Extended Term
The Canterbury Bulldogs have made a significant move to bolster their squad for 2025, extending the contract of back Cameron Salmon. Salmon, who has been a versatile asset for the Bulldogs, has been a key player in the club’s plans for the future. The 2025 extension is a clear indication that the Bulldogs are committed to his development and believe he has the potential to play a central role in their long-term ambitions.
Salmon, known for his solid defensive game and ability to make crucial plays in attack, has steadily improved his game since joining the Bulldogs. His performance in the 2024 season was one of consistency and resilience, which earned him the trust of coach Trent Barrett. This contract extension solidifies Salmon’s place within the Bulldogs’ spine and their vision for future success.
The Bulldogs have been aggressive in the player market over the last few seasons, trying to rebuild their roster with the right mix of experienced and emerging talent. With the signing of players like Viliame Kikau, Josh Addo-Carr, and Matt Burton in recent years, the extension of Salmon further strengthens the squad’s depth and versatility.
Salmon’s extended deal gives him the opportunity to continue to build chemistry with the Bulldogs’ playmakers, who are expected to be key in the team’s offensive game plan for the 2025 season. It is expected that the Bulldogs will rely on Salmon’s adaptability and leadership to guide the younger players while still offering the experience needed to challenge for the finals in the coming years.
Daly Cherry-Evans to Depart Manly
The news that Daly Cherry-Evans (DCE) will be leaving the Manly Sea Eagles has sent shockwaves through the NRL. Cherry-Evans, a club legend, has been at the heart of Manly’s success for over a decade, captaining the club to a premiership in 2011 and leading them to multiple finals appearances since. However, the 2025 season will mark the end of an era as Cherry-Evans is set to depart the club after an illustrious career in the maroon and white.
Cherry-Evans’ departure is largely due to shifting priorities at Manly, as the club looks to transition into a new era under coach Anthony Seibold. Although DCE has been a mainstay at Manly, his contract negotiations have been a point of tension in recent months. With the club wanting to move in a different direction, Cherry-Evans will now seek a new opportunity, potentially with another NRL club or in the United Kingdom, where his talents are in demand.
At 35 years old, Cherry-Evans has shown no signs of slowing down. His performances in 2024 were as sharp as ever, and despite his age, he remains one of the premier halfbacks in the competition. His leadership and experience will be hard to replace at Manly, but the club will be looking to develop young playmakers who can eventually step into the spotlight. Cherry-Evans has played more than 300 NRL games, and his experience will surely be sought after by any club in need of a proven leader.
While the news is bittersweet for Manly fans, who will be sad to see their captain depart, the club is entering a rebuilding phase. It’s an exciting time for young players at Manly, as they now have the opportunity to step up and lead the team forward into the future. The Sea Eagles have already started planning for life without Cherry-Evans and will be on the lookout for a new captain and playmaker to guide the team in the years to come.
The Road Ahead
As both the Bulldogs and the Sea Eagles continue to reshape their rosters, the 2025 NRL signings tracker is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory. The Bulldogs’ retention of Salmon ensures they have a solid foundation in their spine, while Manly faces a challenge in replacing one of the best halfbacks the game has ever seen.
Both teams will be hoping to make a significant impact in the 2025 season, and these player movements are just the beginning of what is expected to be a thrilling year of rugby league. The signing period is still ongoing, and many more announcements are expected in the coming months. Fans will be watching closely as clubs finalize their rosters, with many hoping that their team’s signings will be the missing pieces to push for the NRL premiership.
The decisions made now, such as the Bulldogs locking in Cameron Salmon and Manly moving on from Daly Cherry-Evans, will have lasting implications for both clubs as they prepare for the 2025 NRL season and beyond.
