Back in the No.7 jersey, Cherry-Evans is shouldering the burden of marshalling a Sam Walker-less Roosters outfit in an away qualifying final against Penrith.
But the 37-year-old isn't shying away from the pressure, well aware he was brought to the Roosters to guide them to their first grand final since their 2019 premiership.
Cherry-Evans' looming NRL exit to Super League side Hull FC in 2027 only raises the stakes.
Should the Roosters go all the way this season, the veteran will go full circle from Manly's famous 2011 grand-final win in his rookie season.
Cherry-Evans boasts a 9-11 finals record, but hasn't taken a side to a grand final since Manly lost the 2013 decider to the Roosters.
"There's a lot of belief in this side that it can finish that way, and it's not just about me," Cherry-Evans said.
"It's about giving everyone at this club that feeling of winning a premiership.
"There's a group of us that have played in big games before. It would be silly for us not to lead the young boys through this opportunity.
"We've got a great opportunity in front of us as a club, and within that each player has a role to play.
"Mine is certainly around being one of the louder voices and showing the boys where to go."
Whether the coming weeks could define his 16-year career, Cherry-Evans said he wasn't letting his mind wander about what his last NRL games could look or feel like.
"It just comes with the territory as an old half that's signed at the Roosters and is trying to win a premiership," Cherry-Evans said.
"They're the sorts of things that I can't let myself get distracted with if I'm completely honest.
"Make no mistake that my desire to win a premiership here in these remaining games is something that I want more than anything.
"I'm really clear on that. I'm really focused on that.
"If my legacy comes down to these remaining three to four games, then I probably haven't done enough for the last however many I've played.
"To finish your career in the NRL as an NRL premiership winner, that would be as good as it gets, but I know life just doesn't give out fairytales."
Hugo Savala will shift into his preferred position in the halves alongside Cherry-Evans as cover for Walker, after spending most of the season at centre.
"It's never about who's not here, it's always about who is here," Cherry-Evans said.
"And while Sam has a few weeks off, Hugo now has the chance to play first grade in his preferred position in the halves.
"We don't need him to be Sam, we need Hugo to be Hugo ... Hugo's got a very, very strong career ahead of him in the half."
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