Cherry-Evans Discusses His Hull FC Decision

NRL veteran Daly Cherry-Evans has shared insights regarding his surprising decision to leave the NRL at the end of the season to join Hull FC in the English Super League.

His choice to switch countries took many by surprise, yet he demonstrated on Thursday night that he still possesses the skills needed to compete at the highest level of Australian rugby. He showcased a two-try performance in a high-intensity match against the Penrith Panthers.

This victory propelled the Roosters to the top of the NRL ladder, placing them in an advantageous position as the finals approach.

Signing the experienced halfback has been hailed as one of Hull FC's most significant acquisitions to date, promising to significantly enhance the club's stature by 2027.

When Cherry-Evans dons Hull's black and white colors, he will be 38 years old. He expressed a "curiosity" about the Super League and believes that now is the "right time" for this transition, with Hull FC facilitating his aspirations.

"That's just where the relationships and the connections felt right. I didn't have to look at too many other places, to be honest. If you're going to do it, you might as well do it properly, and Hull will give us that opportunity," Cherry-Evans told the media on Friday.

"As a person, deep down, I've always had that curiosity about what Super League would be like or what another code would be like in another country. As I've gotten older, I've understood that there's a big wide world out there, so it has become an interest, but I never knew when."

Cherry-Evans made his move to the Roosters after a remarkable 15-season career with the Manly Sea Eagles, where he won a premiership in his first year and became the club's all-time most-capped player.

A breakdown in communication over a contract extension for the post-2024 season motivated Cherry-Evans to explore alternative options, resulting in the Roosters presenting an offer for the seasoned playmaker.