Veteran champion Daly Cherry-Evans will wrap up his glittering NRL career at the end of this season.
Aged 37, Cherry-Evans looks as good as ever after scoring two tries to help the Sydney Roosters leapfrog Penrith into first spot with a 12-6 win on Thursday.
It had been widely assumed that the veteran five-eighth would retire at the end of this season with the Roosters, but it has now been confirmed that he has signed with Super League club Hull FC.
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Hull will be coached next season by Steve McNamara, who is a long-time friend and former assistant to Roosters’ coach Trent Robinson.
In an emotional statement, Cherry-Evans thanked his family and two NRL clubs.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had the career I’ve had so far in the NRL, and I feel like the end of this season will be the right time for me to close that chapter,” Cherry-Evans said.
“Manly will always hold a special place for me and my family. I spent more than 15 years there, made lifelong friendships and was fortunate to experience so much throughout my time at the club.
“I’ll always be grateful to the people at Manly and the supporters for the role they’ve played in my 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.
“I’m really grateful for the way Robbo, the players, staff and everyone at the Roosters have welcomed me and my family.
“I wouldn’t have had the career I’ve had without the support of my family. My mum and dad have been a constant support throughout my career, and I can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done for me.
“My wife Vessa and our girls have been there with me every step of the way, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done and the sacrifices they’ve made along the way. 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.
“I’d also like to acknowledge my management. To Joe and the Ignite Sports team, thank you so much for your guidance.
“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.
“But there’s still plenty of football to be played this season and that’s where my focus is. 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.”
Cherry-Evans moved to the Roosters for the 2026 season after spending the entirety of his career at Manly.
And his arrival has meant the Roosters have been forced to deploy promising playmaker Hugo Savala in the centres this season in order to accommodate the former Queensland captain.
Robinson described coaching Cherry-Evans as a “gift” after his side climbed to first and moved to within touching distance of the minor premiership.
“You talk about external motivation, but to watch someone care about the way that he plays the game and goes about it, he deserved tonight,” Robinson said, whose side face Wests Tigers, the Dolphins and Souths to round out the regular season.
“Maybe two or three years ago at a charity function, I almost bought his boot for a couple of thousand dollars but one of my mates got it before me.”
He called Cherry-Evans “one of the outstanding players of his generation”.
“What he has achieved across 16 seasons in the NRL speaks for itself,” Robinson said.
“He has represented his clubs, state and country with distinction, but beyond those achievements, it’s the consistency of his preparation, his competitiveness and the way he has led throughout his career that really stand out.
“We knew the quality of player and person we were bringing to the Roosters, but the impact Daly has had on our group this year has been significant. 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.
“There’ll be an appropriate time to celebrate Daly and everything he has achieved in the NRL, but that time isn’t yet. Our season is still very much alive, Daly has an important role to play, and our focus together is firmly on what we can achieve over the coming months.
“When the season is finished, we’ll celebrate an outstanding NRL career and wish Daly, his wife Vessa and their daughters Navi, Harvie and Tully all the very best for their next chapter with Hull FC.”
– With AAP
