Daly Cherry‑Evans, one of the most celebrated figures in modern rugby league, has spoken candidly about his unexpected decision to sign a one‑year contract with Hull FC in the Super League for the 2027 season. The Australian half‑back, who has spent the majority of his career in the NRL, explained that the move felt natural because the relationships and personal connections with the club aligned perfectly with his own aspirations. After a high‑profile switch to the Sydney Roosters for the 2026 campaign, Cherry‑Evans made an immediate impact, crossing the try‑line against the Penrith Panthers on a Thursday that saw the Roosters climb to the top of the NRL ladder. Yet, as he approaches his 38th birthday, the veteran is preparing to leave the bright lights of Sydney for the historic black‑and‑white strip of Hull.
Cherry‑Evans’s résumé reads like a hall of fame list: nine test appearances for the Australian Kangaroos, a lengthy tenure as Queensland captain, and a reputation as one of the sport’s most inventive playmakers. While he admitted that he once imagined extending his NRL "dream" for as long as possible, a lingering curiosity about life in the Super League eventually outweighed that notion. He described the decision as a moment when everything seemed to line up, making the move feel like the "right time" to experience a new challenge abroad.
"It was simply where the relationships and the connections felt right," he said. "I didn't have to weigh up a long list of options. If I'm going to make a move, I want to do it properly, and Hull gave me that platform." Cherry‑Evans added that his fascination with the Super League had been a quiet undercurrent for years. "Deep down, I've always wondered what it would be like to play in the UK, or even try a different code in another country.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how vast the world is, and that curiosity turned into a genuine interest," he explained. He emphasized that there was never a strict timetable; the idea simply resurfaced repeatedly until the circumstances aligned. He reflected on his time with the Roosters, noting that the move to Sydney was not solely about football. "Joining the Roosters wasn't just a career decision; it challenged me in ways beyond the field, and that has been true.
I expect the same kind of growth when I head to England next year," Cherry‑Evans said. When asked about the internal debate that many athletes face—whether to stay in a familiar league or venture into the unknown—he admitted there was a voice urging him to "stay in the NRL and keep living that dream." However, he believes his story is larger than a single competition. "Playing in the NRL has always been about testing myself at the highest level and inspiring my family.
But now my family is ready for a new adventure," he said. He painted a vivid picture of the upcoming relocation: "We’ve had an incredible experience with the Roosters, but the chance to live and play in the UK with my wife and kids, who will be old enough to remember this chapter for years to come, is something special." While media attention remains focused on the headline‑grabbing transfer, Cherry‑Evans insists his immediate priority is helping the Roosters secure the 2026 premiership. "Winning a title this year is my top focus right now.
At the same time, you have to think about protecting your future," he explained. Discussions with his wife and trusted advisors convinced him that a stint in the Super League would be a rewarding next step, both personally and professionally. "We were told we’d never regret giving the Super League a try.
The excitement we feel as a family, combined with the fresh challenges the UK competition presents, is huge," Cherry‑Evans said. "I thrive on challenges and testing my limits, and the Super League will provide a new arena for that." He also highlighted the practical side of the move: with the season now in full swing, he can concentrate on his current responsibilities without distraction. "Now that everything is settled, I can drop the shoulders, focus on the Roosters, and give everything inside these four walls my full attention for the rest of the year," he affirmed. The upcoming Super League season will be broadcast extensively, with Sky Sports covering every match live, including two exclusive fixtures each round, while the remaining five games will stream on Sky Sports+.
This exposure ensures that Cherry‑Evans’s new chapter will be followed by fans on both sides of the world. In summary, Daly Cherry‑Evans’s decision to join Hull FC is rooted in a blend of personal connections, lifelong curiosity, and a desire to broaden his family’s horizons. While his immediate goal remains a premiership with the Roosters, the move to the UK represents a calculated step toward a new adventure that promises fresh challenges, cultural experiences, and lasting memories for the entire family.