The last thing Daly Cherry-Evans wanted was for his next career move to take any gloss off the Sydney Roosters’ excellent win over the Penrith Panthers.

So he waited seven hours.

Cherry-Evans will quit the NRL at season’s end before taking up a deal with Hull FC in the Super League.

There is a good chance he will head for the northern hemisphere with a second premiership ring, to go with the one he won in his maiden NRL season in 2011 at the Sea Eagles, if he can repeat what he did for the Chooks in their 12-10 epic win over the Panthers.

The halfback was the best player on the field against the Panthers, according to coach Trent Robinson, but did not want to comment about his immediate future, or speculate about reports he was heading to the Super League.

“The stuff in the future, I’ll sort it out and talk to you guys about it at another time – I won’t leave you hanging,” Cherry-Evans said.

By 6am Friday, Cherry-Evans, who spent his first 15 seasons in the NRL at Manly before having his head turned by Bondi officials, confirmed via a Roosters’ press release he would be joining Hull FC in 2027.

“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.

“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.

“I also 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.”

Robinson said after the game he had always been an admirer, so much so that, “I saw him 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”.

Cherry-Evans moved into outright second for most games played with 373. Cameron Smith’s record 430 games remains safe.

Andrew Johns said during the week Cherry-Evans should avoid Hull (or “Hell”, as he described it), and was better off focusing on a new franchise like the Perth Bears.

Even the bunker looked favourably upon Cherry-Evans on Thursday night, with a knock-on missed late in the second half, which meant the Panthers had to drop out rather than play the ball on their 20m. Penrith were unimpressed with the decision, as were several commentators.

The Roosters host the Wests Tigers next Sunday, followed by games against the Dolphins and South Sydney.

Penrith are still in the title race to their eyeballs, with Dylan Edwards to strip fitter for his first-up run after a shoulder injury, and the likes of Mitch Kenny (ankle/leg) and Casey McLean (hand) to return. The home side could have done with McLean’s X-factor out wide.

Paul Alamoti hobbled out of the venue with ice strapped to his left hamstring, which means Blaize Talagi could start in the centres next Thursday against the Storm in Melbourne.