Daly Cherry-Evans has ended speculation about his future by signing with Hull FC just hours after inspiring the Roosters to a statement victory.
The 37-year-old will conclude his NRL career at the end of the 2026 season before joining the English Super League club on a one-year contract.
Hull FC Confirm Landmark Signing
Hull officially announced the deal on Thursday evening in England, describing Cherry-Evans’ arrival as one of the most significant signings in the club’s history.
The decorated playmaker will move to East Yorkshire following the completion of Sydney’s finals campaign and play for Hull throughout the 2027 Super League season.
His decision was detailed in Nine’s report on Daly Cherry-Evans signing with Hull FC before being confirmed by Hull, the Roosters and the NRL.
The move closes the door on Cherry-Evans exercising the option that could have kept him at the Roosters in 2027.
It also means his 16th NRL season will be his last in Australia—but not the end of his playing career.
Cherry-Evans Still Wants to Compete
Cherry-Evans said the opportunity to experience English rugby league appealed to him because he still possesses the desire to play at the highest level.
“I still have a real desire to play and compete, so the opportunity to join Hull FC and experience the Super League is something I’m genuinely excited about,” Cherry-Evans said.
“This next chapter is a big move for all of us, so to have their support and for us to experience living in England together is something we’re really looking forward to.”
Cherry-Evans thanked his wife, Vessa, and daughters Navi, Harvie and Tully for supporting the move.
He also paid tribute to Manly, where he spent 15 seasons, and the Roosters for providing him with a new challenge during the final year of his NRL career.
“Coming to the Roosters this year gave me the opportunity to challenge myself in a completely new environment, and I’ve loved being part of this club,” he said.
“I’m really grateful for the way Robbo, the players, staff and everyone at the Roosters have welcomed me and my family.”
Decision Comes After Panthers Masterclass
The timing of the announcement was remarkable.
Only hours earlier, Cherry-Evans scored both of Sydney’s tries in a 12-6 victory over Penrith, helping the Roosters move to the top of the NRL ladder.
It was his 373rd first-grade appearance, moving him beyond Cooper Cronk and into outright second place on the NRL’s all-time games list.
Only Cameron Smith has played more premiership matches.
Cherry-Evans’ performance against the Panthers demonstrated why Hull believes he can remain influential despite turning 38 before the 2027 Super League season begins.
He controlled the contest with his kicking, organisation and defensive positioning before scoring the match-sealing try late in the second half.
Rather than resembling a player limping towards retirement, Cherry-Evans looked capable of deciding another premiership race.
NRL Chapter Is Not Finished Yet
Cherry-Evans confirmed the 2026 season would close his NRL career but insisted he was not ready to reflect while the Roosters remained in premiership contention.
“There’s still plenty of football to be played this season, and that’s where my focus is,” he said.
“We’ve got a lot we still want to achieve as a team here at the Roosters, and I’m determined to give my all and play my part in that.”
“There’ll be a time to reflect on my NRL career at the end of the year, but we’re certainly not there yet.”
The Roosters recruited Cherry-Evans to provide experience and composure during high-pressure matches.
His display against Penrith showed exactly why Trent Robinson wanted him at Bondi.
Sydney now has an opportunity to send him to England as a two-time NRL premiership winner.
Robinson Praises Cherry-Evans’ Influence
Robinson described Cherry-Evans as one of the outstanding players of his generation and praised the influence he has already had on Sydney’s squad.
“What he has achieved across 16 seasons in the NRL speaks for itself,” Robinson said.
“It’s the consistency of his preparation, his competitiveness and the way he has led throughout his career that really stand out.”
Robinson said the halfback’s impact extended well beyond his performances on match day.
“His experience and composure have been important for us on the field, and he’s been incredibly generous with his knowledge and his time with the players around him.”
The coach stressed that the Roosters would celebrate Cherry-Evans’ career after the season rather than allowing the farewell to distract from their premiership push.
Hull Calls Signing an Enormous Moment
Hull chief executive Richie Myler described the recruitment coup as a significant statement about the club’s ambitions.
“This is an enormous moment for Hull FC,” Myler said.
“Daly Cherry-Evans is one of the great players of the modern era, and there are very few players anywhere in world rugby league with his record, experience, leadership and standing within the game.”
Myler believes Cherry-Evans can transform more than Hull’s performances.
The veteran will be expected to mentor younger players, raise professional standards and provide the organisation required to challenge for major honours.
“This is bigger than simply signing an outstanding halfback,” Myler said.
“We are bringing one of the most respected leaders in the sport of rugby league into our organisation.”
Hull has not won the Super League championship and has endured a difficult period away from the competition’s leading clubs.
Signing one of the NRL’s most experienced playmakers gives the Black and Whites immediate credibility as they attempt to return to contention.
One of the NRL’s Great Halfback Careers
Cherry-Evans made his NRL debut for Manly in 2011 and won the premiership during his first season.
He eventually became the Sea Eagles’ record appearance holder and captained the club for nine years before joining the Roosters in 2026.
His representative career included captaining Queensland from 2019 and leading the Maroons to four State of Origin series victories.
Cherry-Evans also won two World Cups with Australia in 2013 and 2022.
Hull credited him with the records for the most NRL appearances, tries and field goals by a halfback.
His one-year spell with the Roosters may appear brief compared with his Manly career, but it has allowed him to prove that he can succeed outside the only NRL environment he previously knew.
England will provide the final test.
What the Move Means for Sam Walker
Cherry-Evans’ departure also provides Sydney with clarity over its long-term halves structure.
Sam Walker is contracted until the end of 2027, but negotiations over a four-year extension have reportedly stalled.
The Roosters can no longer treat retaining Walker as one part of a flexible succession plan. He is now unquestionably the playmaker around whom their future must be built.
Hugo Savala has signed through 2028 and could become Walker’s regular halves partner after Cherry-Evans leaves.
However, allowing Walker to reach the November 1 market would leave Sydney vulnerable to approaches from PNG, Perth and other clubs searching for a marquee halfback.
The Roosters have solved one question by learning Cherry-Evans’ intentions.
They must now resolve the bigger one.
Super League Lands Another Major Name
Cherry-Evans joins a growing collection of accomplished NRL players moving to England.
His arrival represents more than a short-term recruitment victory for Hull. It provides Super League with one of the most recognisable Australian players of his generation at a time when the competition is attempting to improve its international profile.
The move also allows Cherry-Evans to extend his career without competing against the Roosters or Manly.
After spending 16 seasons in the NRL, the veteran will receive the fresh experience he wanted while preserving his Australian legacy.
Before any of that begins, he still has one final objective.
Cherry-Evans came to Bondi looking for another challenge. After helping place the Roosters on top of the ladder, his last act in the NRL could still be the biggest of all.
