HULL FC have hailed “one of the most significant signings” in their history after securing Daly Cherry-Evans for next season.
The Manly Sea Eagles great and former Queensland and Australia star halfback has penned a one-year deal to come to Super League from Sydney Roosters.
Cherry-Evans has been one of the sport’s premier playmakers over the past 15 years, earning 21 caps for the Kangaroos – including participating in two World Cup triumphs – and 26 Maroons appearances in State of Origin, most recently last year.
Until this season he had spent his whole club career with Manly, leading them to the NRL title in his rookie 2011 campaign.
Last autumn, Cherry-Evans joined the Roosters on a one-year deal, and has continued to show his class for the NRL’s leaders – not least with two tries in Thursday’s key win against Penrith Panthers.
“This is an enormous moment for Hull FC,” hailed the club’s chief executive, Richie Myler.
“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.
“When a player of Daly’s stature decides that he wants to come to Super League and, specifically, wants to play for Hull FC, I think it says a great deal about where this club is heading.
“This is bigger than simply signing an outstanding halfback. We are bringing one of the most respected leaders in the sport of Rugby League into our organisation and somebody who has spent his entire career operating at the very highest level.
“His influence on our playing group, our younger players and the standards we are trying to create throughout Hull FC will be enormous.
“We have been very clear about our ambition for this club. We want Hull FC competing for the biggest honours in the game, we want world-class players representing this club and we want our supporters to be excited about what we are building. The signing of Daly is a very significant part of that journey.
“I also think this is a tremendous signing for the Super League. Attracting one of the biggest names in the NRL to England creates interest well beyond Hull and demonstrates that this competition can still attract genuinely world-class players.”
Cherry-Evans’ signing increases the chances of Hull moving on their current veteran scrum-half, club captain Aidan Sezer, at the end of the season, although he is still contracted for 2027.
With the considerable financial backing of chairman Andrew Thirkill and co-owner David Hood, they are desperate to rise back up the table after an awful season which has them currently languishing in twelfth place.
Former England coach Steve McNamara is taking charge from next year, with Leigh Leopards back Bailey Hodgson their other confirmed signing so far.