Mcb777 AffiliateNRL 2026, live blog, round 4, Manly Sea Eagles, Sydney Roosters, match highlights, injuries, late mail, coaches media conferences

Author: Martin Lenehan NRL Lead Journalist
Timestamp: Thu 26 Mar 2026, 07:21 PM

What better way to kick off Round 4 than Daly Cherry-Evans returning to Brookvale as a Rooster in a must-win game for both clubs.

After playing 352 games for the Sea Eagles, DCE now finds himself suiting up with their fierce rivals the Roosters and the 37-year-old knows he is in for a 'mixed reception'.

With Manly sitting 0-2 and the Roosters 1-2 the stakes couldn't be higher as the two proud clubs also battle it out for the for the fifth time.

Follow all the action from Round 4 of the NRL Telstra Premiership on marvelbet365.com's live blog.

Sea Eagles v Roosters at 4 Pines Park

Round 4 - Round 4 - Thursday 26 Mar

9:00 am

Sea Eagles

Roosters

Venue: 4 Pines Park, Sydney

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7.15pm The clash between the Sea Eagles and Roosters is expected to kick off on time at 8.00pm. The ground was hit by a storm and lightning and the floodlights were turned off as a precaution but the lights are now back on and lightning is heading out to sea. Players will be able to go onto the field for their warm-up and kick-off should be on time at 8.00pm.

Late Mail

Sea Eagles: Brandon Wakeham starts the game at hooker and Jake Simpkin goes to the bench in a late switch. Teenage front-rower Simione Laiafi is part of the six-man bench and in the frame for an NRL debut. The prop's potential debut comes as Siua Taukeiaho's return from a calf injury was put on hold for another week, while Nathan Brown has also been struck down with illness.

Roosters: No late changes for the Roosters. Daly Cherry-Evans will wear the No.6 jersey when he returns to 4 Pines Park for the first time as a Rooster, with Sam Walker starting at halfback. Billy Smith makes his return from concussion in the centres while emerging playmaker Hugo Savala is part of the six-man bench after making a successful comeback from an ankle injury in NSW Cup last week.

Numbers Game

The Sea Eagles have a 69 per cent winning record against the Roosters at 4 Pines Park.
The Roosters have won six of their last eight games against the Sea Eagles.
Sea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic has scored six tries in his last six games at 4 Pines Park.
Roosters five-eighth Daly Cherry-Evans will move to outright fourth on the all-time appearances list.
Sea Eagles centre Tolu Koula has scored 12 tries in his last 11 games at 4 Pines Park.