The pundits have had their say on Hull FC’s seismic Daly Cherry-Evans deal
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 07: Daly Cherry-Evans of the Roosters warms up during the round 23 NRL match between Sydney Roosters and Canterbury Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium, on August 07, 2026, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)(Image: Getty)
Hull FC have made a huge statement of intent as they bid to turn their recent fortunes around.
That’s according to Sky Sports’ Jon Wilkin, who believes Daly Cherry-Evans can play a similar role to what Sean O’Loughlin did in his latter years at Wigan Warriors.
The NRL veteran has penned a one-year deal to join the Black and Whites for the 2027 season in what is undoubtedly one of the most high profile deals Super League has seen in the modern era.
The former Australia international is still at the very top of his game, something he underlined with two tries against Penrith Panthers on Thursday morning, and he will be joining a Hull side that has struggled for any sort of continuity or traction this season.
As such, the 37-year-old will be expected to make his presence felt in East Yorkshire to help turn FC around before leaving a lasting legacy, which Hull can build off heading into 2028 and beyond.
It’s a seismic deal for the Black and Whites and Wilkin believes it’s the type of signing that can solve a lot of issues at the MKM Stadium.
“It’s a statement of intent from Hull FC,” Wilkin said on Sky on Thursday evening. “We’ve been critical of their 2026 campaign.
“It’s been a very difficult, turbulent year but this is a signing that can galvanise fans, excite fans and energise a club that needs energy.
“It will give them confidence as well. A side lacking confidence, you can sometimes get off by a players’ presence. You can look at Sean O’Loughlin and Wigan he would give his side confidence to win games and Cherry-Evans can do that.”
Wigan half-back Harry Smith was also on Sky on Thursday evening and he has outlined exactly how he expects Cherry-Evans to play under Steve McNamara.
“You’ve just seen it [this morning] scoring two tries against one of the best defensive teams in the NRL,” Smith said. “He’s still got it and fair play to Hull FC, it’s a great signing.
“He’s just going to go in there and dominate field position for the team, control everyone around and get the threats of Will Pryce and people who want to run the ball off the back of him. He’s going to get you in the right position and give you the ball when you want it.”