Cherry-Evans made the cross-town trip to Bondi following a 15-season career at the Manly Sea Eagles, where he established himself as one of the premier playmakers in the competition, with a composed kicking game and a lethal attacking threat.
He sits as the most-capped Sea Eagle of all time, but didn't finish his career at the Northern Beaches due to a contract communication breakdown, allowing him to make the switch to Bondi.
GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 21: Daly Cherry-Evans of the Roosters leaves the field with team mates due to weather during the NRL pre-season match between Sydney Roosters and Parramatta Eels at Polytec Stadium, on February 21, 2026, in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Cherry-Evans made his NRL debut in 2011 and tasted premiership success in his first year in the top grade after being elevated into a high-profile Sea Eagles outfit, where he went on to play for Queensland and Australia, with 373 NRL games.
He now sits on the second-most NRL games played of all time, behind Cameron Smith, and is set to just come short of the 400 NRL game milestone.
The 37-year-old will take his talents to the Northern Hemisphere and will still offer plenty to Hull FC to finish up his playing career.
“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 in a Roosters statement.
“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.
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“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 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.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 02: Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler congratulates Daly Cherry-Evans after the 2011 NRL Grand Final match between the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and the Warriors at ANZ Stadium on October 2, 2011 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
“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 will help drive standards on and off the field in England, and shapes up as a massive recruitment moment for the club.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson thanked Cherry-Evans for his contributions to the game.
“Daly has been one of the outstanding players of his generation, and what he has achieved across 16 seasons in the NRL speaks for itself,” said Robinson.
“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."
The Redcliffe-product has still been at his best for the tri-colours this year after 15 years in the game, he orchestrated a 12-6 win against Penrith with a two try display, leaving the Roosters in the box seat to take out the minor premiership.
