Daly Cherry‑Evans, a name that resonates throughout the annals of rugby league, has finally broken his silence on the surprising decision to sign a one‑year contract with Hull FC for the 2027 Super League season. The Australian half‑back, who has spent the bulk of his illustrious career in the NRL, explained that the move was driven by a combination of personal relationships, a lingering curiosity about the British competition, and a desire to embark on a new chapter as he approaches the twilight of his playing days. After a headline‑grabbing switch to the Sydney Roosters ahead of the 2026 campaign – a move that saw him cross the try‑line in his first match against the Penrith Panthers and help the Roosters climb to the top of the NRL ladder – the 38‑year‑old veteran is now preparing to trade the bright lights of Sydney for the historic black‑and‑white strip of Hull.
Cherry‑Evans, who has been a mainstay of the Australian Kangaroos for nine years and has captained Queensland in State of Origin, said the decision was less about abandoning the NRL dream and more about following a feeling that the right connections were waiting for him in Hull. "It was simply a matter of where the relationships felt right," he told reporters.
"I didn’t have to evaluate a long list of clubs. When you sense that a place aligns with you on a personal level, you commit fully, and Hull gave me that sense of belonging." The former half‑back also spoke candidly about a lifelong curiosity about the Super League and, more broadly, about playing rugby league in a different cultural environment.
"Since I was a kid I’ve wondered what it would be like to step onto a UK pitch, to experience the atmosphere, the fans, the weather – everything that makes the British game unique," Cherry‑Evans said. "As I’ve gotten older, that curiosity has grown into a genuine interest.
I never set a deadline for myself, but the idea kept resurfacing, and finally the timing felt right." He emphasized that the decision was not impulsive but the result of many conversations with his family and trusted advisors. "There was a voice in my head urging me to stay in the NRL and chase another premiership, but another part of me recognised that my story isn’t solely about trophies.
It’s about challenging myself, inspiring my family, and creating memories that we’ll all cherish. My wife and kids are old enough now to understand and remember this adventure, and that mattered a great deal." While the Roosters remain his current focus – Cherry‑Evans insists that winning the 2026 NRL premiership is his immediate priority – he also acknowledges that protecting his long‑term future is essential. "Winning a premiership this year is everything to me, but you also have to think about life after the final whistle blows. My wife, my close circle, they all encouraged me to take this step, assuring me I’d never regret experiencing the Super League," he explained.
The move, according to Cherry‑Evans, is also about personal growth. "I thrive on challenges. The Super League offers a different style of play, different conditions, and a fresh set of opponents.
It will test my adaptability and broaden my skill set, which is something I’ve always sought." Looking ahead, Cherry‑Evans expressed excitement about the logistical aspects of the relocation. "We’re thrilled about the prospect of living in the UK as a family. It’s a chance to expose our children to a new culture, new schools, and new experiences.
The club has been incredibly supportive, and we feel welcomed already." In terms of on‑field expectations, the veteran acknowledges that the transition will require adjustments. "The pace, the weather, the crowd dynamics – everything is slightly different.
But I’ve spent my career adapting to new systems and coaches, so I’m confident I can make a smooth transition and contribute positively to Hull’s campaign." The announcement has sparked considerable buzz among both NRL and Super League followers. Fans of Hull FC are eager to see a player of Cherry‑Evans’ calibre don their jersey, while Roosters supporters are hopeful that his presence will continue to drive the team toward a championship in 2026 before his departure. Sky Sports, which will broadcast every Super League match live this season, has already highlighted the upcoming arrival of Cherry‑Evans as a marquee storyline. Two games each round will be shown exclusively on the main channel, with the remaining fixtures available via Sky Sports+.
The broadcaster expects the Australian star’s move to boost viewership and add an extra layer of intrigue to the league’s narrative. In summary, Daly Cherry‑Evans’ decision to join Hull FC stems from a blend of personal connection, a long‑standing curiosity about the UK game, and a strategic view of his career’s final chapters. While his immediate focus remains on delivering a premiership for the Sydney Roosters, he looks forward to embracing the challenges and opportunities that await him across the world, confident that the move aligns with both his professional ambitions and his family’s aspirations.