Just a day after Hull FC shook up Super League by announcing the signing of NRL star Daly Cherry-Evans, the Black and Whites’ CEO Richie Myler spoke about the transfer.
Rumours started to swirl mid-week but Hull FC had confirmed Cherry-Evans’ 2027 arrival by Thursday evening, with Myler then speaking to Sky Sports ahead of his side’s loss on Friday night.
“It’s a big moment for us as a club,” he admitted.
“I think he’s a player of an enormous stature, even for us as a club, but as for our English game, it’s a fantastic appointment, and it’s one that is a bit of good news for the club.”
Myler also lifted the lid on how the deal was able to stay under wraps for so long, almost coming as a complete shock but for reports the day before the announcement.
“Yeah, look, Steve [McNamara, incoming head coach] was across all of it, pretty much,” Myler explained.
“Nobody knew, the way that their management team works, the way that Daly works is very privately, and they did it kept under wraps, so it was done really smoothly.”
The Wheels Have Fallen Off At Castleford! Huddersfield Giants Leaving Town In £10M Stadium Move?! – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show!
Hull FC chief hails seismic Cherry-Evans signing
McNamara, who will take charge from 2027, has strong relationships with Cherry-Evans’ team, the Sydney Roosters, largely on account of his work at Catalans, who had been coached by current Roosters boss Trent Robinson.
In signing Cherry-Evans, Hull FC are of course paying marquee money but Myler asserted that they’re getting that value back, revealing the NRL man to be part of McNamara’s ‘very clear plan’.
“He’s a part of what we’re doing, what we’re trying to change,” he said.
“Steve’s coming in with a very clear plan, and obviously the signings, the players get the biggest noise, and rightly so, but there’s some really key appointments he’s making in the backroom staff and how we’re operating, he’s doing a lot of changes in that area.
“It’s a big moment for the club, but there’s a lot of positive things happening.”
Myler also asserted his belief that Cherry-Evans is Hull FC’s best-ever signing, stating: “I definitely believe so, that’s why we’ve done it.
“We’re very fortunate to have two owners that will back up, and they really backed us on this. I think it’s good for our fanbase, too.
“He’s going to be a key, integral part of our club going forward, but look, it’s one of many things that we’re going to try and change and improve on in the next period.”
On the fan reaction to it, which has been gargantuan, Myler again pointed to just how strong the fan base is with the name Old Faithful certainly apt.
Myler said: “These fans here are absolutely fanatical for Hull. I’ve never witnessed it before until I’ve actually walked through the front door. They live and breathe every single minute of it.
“I’m really happy for them that they get to share that moment with us, and we look forward to welcoming him, but like I say, he’s got a job to so within the NRL, so we’re letting him focus on that.
“We’ve got a job to finish the season as strongly as we can so you don’t carry too many hangovers into the pre-season.
“The team has got to go out there tonight and do a good job and put their best foot forward.”
Hull FC would go on to lose to Castleford 18-14.
John Andrews
August 15, 2026 at 12:31 pm
One Grand Final appearance you couldn’t even win that 20 years ago nothing will change your still doing the same bringing in NRL hasbeens that just wont make any difference but i’m sure the fans will love having his name in their backs as they’ll soon be on his HA HA HA!