Dropped DCE has little to prove, but data says Manly do
Anthony Seibold insists Daly Cherry-Evans has nothing to prove following his State of Origin axing, as Manly try to right a poor run on the road against low-ranked teams.
Cherry-Evans will play his first game on Friday night since being dropped as Queensland No.7, leading a near full-strength Sea Eagles side against Gold Coast.
The 36-year-old's Origin omission has dominated headlines this week, with Cherry-Evans the first captain dropped mid-series by either state this century.
Manly's No.7 has not spoken publicly, but played one of his best games of the year a fortnight ago against Brisbane when talk first emerged around his selection.
Seibold did not want to delve into the debate around Queensland's decision to drop Cherry-Evans, but said the halfback had responded well.
"He hasn't got anything to prove," the Manly coach said.
"He's coming up somewhere around 340 games in the NRL, plus all the representative footy, so he doesn't have a point to prove to anybody.
"There's obvious disappointment there, but there's also a great deal of pride.
"(He's captained) his state 20 times and he's played 26 games for Queensland, so there's a lot to reflect on and look back and be proud about."
Manly will have Tom Trbojevic back from a cork to his thigh, while winger Jason Saab will return from illness and Siua Taukeiaho a calf issue.
That means the Sea Eagles enter Friday night as firm favourites, with the Titans in last place and without Origin representatives Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika.
Recent history is, however, not kind to Manly in games they have been expected to win.
Data from Sportsbet shows the Sea Eagles have lost their past four away games when considered favourites.
Since August, Manly have given up 16-0 leads to Wests Tigers and Newcastle away from home, to go with losses to the Warriors and Parramatta.
As if to underline their Jekyll-and-Hyde status, Manly have also beaten Canterbury twice away from home and Penrith once in that time after entering as outsiders.
Speaking generally after being asked about the Sea Eagles' inconsistencies, Seibold was adamant his ninth-placed team was not alone in a salary cap-based competition.
"They (the NRL) want an even competition, so that means there's going to be wins and losses along the way," he said.
"I've never seen a competition where the top four or five sides all had losses by 40 points, and that's what we've got this year.
"Everyone talks about inconsistency, but the NRL is designed to have an even competition, which means that if you win more than 50 per cent of your games you're going all right.
"And if you're losing more than 50 per cent of your games there's always going to be a challenge for you.
"I think we're right in that sweet spot. We've got a great opportunity with somewhere near our best squad this week."
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The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Winging it: Holmes, Maroons search for best in the west
The next generation is circling and Valentine Holmes isn't taking his Queensland jersey for granted, confident a move back to the centres can spark something. The Maroons veteran will play his 21st State of Origin game in Perth on Wednesday, named in the centres in a swap with winger Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow following the series-opening loss. Melbourne centre Jack Howarth's (22) inclusion in the squad as a reserve has kept the heat on the 29-year-old Holmes, whose pinpoint goal-kicking offers additional selection security. But captain and halfback Daly Cherry-Evans' axing after the one-sided Brisbane loss was proof Holmes said he didn't need of Origin's cut-throat nature. "Definitely, it's always something that we're thinking about," he said of the prospect that Wednesday could be his last Origin appearance. "It's a jersey that's earnt, no matter what you've done in the past. "You've got to be playing quality footy and up to the Queensland standards … Billy's (Slater) done a good job of making sure we're really earning that jersey. "After any loss … it's always about if you feel like you've done enough to earn your spot again." Holmes played eight consecutive Origin games in the centres before shifting back to the wing for last year's decider. He and fellow winger Xavier Coates struggled to work the ball out of their defensive corners in Brisbane as the Blues dominated the first-half territory battle. "You'll have to ask Bill (Slater) but it's probably more so that I play centre for club and want to bring my strengths back into the game and what I do for the Dragons," Holmes said of the reasons behind the switch that he hopes will also unlock Tabuai-Fidow. "That could be part of the change there, getting him more open ball … catching kicks or handing off from KP (Kalyn Ponga), he has space to do his thing." Coach Slater has also tinkered with his forward pack, Trent Loiero and the recalled Kurt Capewell named to start with Pat Carrigan shifted to the bench. That will matter little though if the Maroons piggy-back the Blues with early penalties as they did in Brisbane. "We left a lot of opportunities out there and felt like we fell into NSW's style of footy," Coates said. "It was tough to watch (the review), just knowing how many opportunities we left out there. "But we didn't play a very smart brand of footy. With aggression we need to be disciplined ... controlled aggression and being smart with our footy." The next generation is circling and Valentine Holmes isn't taking his Queensland jersey for granted, confident a move back to the centres can spark something. The Maroons veteran will play his 21st State of Origin game in Perth on Wednesday, named in the centres in a swap with winger Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow following the series-opening loss. Melbourne centre Jack Howarth's (22) inclusion in the squad as a reserve has kept the heat on the 29-year-old Holmes, whose pinpoint goal-kicking offers additional selection security. But captain and halfback Daly Cherry-Evans' axing after the one-sided Brisbane loss was proof Holmes said he didn't need of Origin's cut-throat nature. "Definitely, it's always something that we're thinking about," he said of the prospect that Wednesday could be his last Origin appearance. "It's a jersey that's earnt, no matter what you've done in the past. "You've got to be playing quality footy and up to the Queensland standards … Billy's (Slater) done a good job of making sure we're really earning that jersey. "After any loss … it's always about if you feel like you've done enough to earn your spot again." Holmes played eight consecutive Origin games in the centres before shifting back to the wing for last year's decider. He and fellow winger Xavier Coates struggled to work the ball out of their defensive corners in Brisbane as the Blues dominated the first-half territory battle. "You'll have to ask Bill (Slater) but it's probably more so that I play centre for club and want to bring my strengths back into the game and what I do for the Dragons," Holmes said of the reasons behind the switch that he hopes will also unlock Tabuai-Fidow. "That could be part of the change there, getting him more open ball … catching kicks or handing off from KP (Kalyn Ponga), he has space to do his thing." Coach Slater has also tinkered with his forward pack, Trent Loiero and the recalled Kurt Capewell named to start with Pat Carrigan shifted to the bench. That will matter little though if the Maroons piggy-back the Blues with early penalties as they did in Brisbane. "We left a lot of opportunities out there and felt like we fell into NSW's style of footy," Coates said. "It was tough to watch (the review), just knowing how many opportunities we left out there. "But we didn't play a very smart brand of footy. With aggression we need to be disciplined ... controlled aggression and being smart with our footy." The next generation is circling and Valentine Holmes isn't taking his Queensland jersey for granted, confident a move back to the centres can spark something. The Maroons veteran will play his 21st State of Origin game in Perth on Wednesday, named in the centres in a swap with winger Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow following the series-opening loss. Melbourne centre Jack Howarth's (22) inclusion in the squad as a reserve has kept the heat on the 29-year-old Holmes, whose pinpoint goal-kicking offers additional selection security. But captain and halfback Daly Cherry-Evans' axing after the one-sided Brisbane loss was proof Holmes said he didn't need of Origin's cut-throat nature. "Definitely, it's always something that we're thinking about," he said of the prospect that Wednesday could be his last Origin appearance. "It's a jersey that's earnt, no matter what you've done in the past. "You've got to be playing quality footy and up to the Queensland standards … Billy's (Slater) done a good job of making sure we're really earning that jersey. "After any loss … it's always about if you feel like you've done enough to earn your spot again." Holmes played eight consecutive Origin games in the centres before shifting back to the wing for last year's decider. He and fellow winger Xavier Coates struggled to work the ball out of their defensive corners in Brisbane as the Blues dominated the first-half territory battle. "You'll have to ask Bill (Slater) but it's probably more so that I play centre for club and want to bring my strengths back into the game and what I do for the Dragons," Holmes said of the reasons behind the switch that he hopes will also unlock Tabuai-Fidow. "That could be part of the change there, getting him more open ball … catching kicks or handing off from KP (Kalyn Ponga), he has space to do his thing." Coach Slater has also tinkered with his forward pack, Trent Loiero and the recalled Kurt Capewell named to start with Pat Carrigan shifted to the bench. That will matter little though if the Maroons piggy-back the Blues with early penalties as they did in Brisbane. "We left a lot of opportunities out there and felt like we fell into NSW's style of footy," Coates said. "It was tough to watch (the review), just knowing how many opportunities we left out there. "But we didn't play a very smart brand of footy. With aggression we need to be disciplined ... controlled aggression and being smart with our footy."
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Back to future 'excites' Carrigan on Maroons benching
Pat Carrigan was such a success in his Queensland debut off the bench in 2022 that coach Billy Slater will play him there again in a do-or-die State of Origin roll of the dice. The benching of regular Maroons lock Carrigan for game two of the series in Perth next week came as a shock to NSW, particularly second-rower Angus Crichton who insisted it was a "mind games" ploy. Crichton refused to believe the Maroons team list which has Melbourne forward Trent Loiero named at No.13 and Carrigan at No.17. Queensland can of course make a late switch if they choose but closer inspection reveals there is method in Slater's apparent madness. In game one of 2022, Carrigan had one of the great Maroons debuts off the bench. He smashed Jack Wighton with his first tackle and his opening run was hailed by Slater post-match as "a momentum shift for us" in a 16-10 win at Accor Stadium. The Brisbane forward came on in the 15th minute and played the rest of the match on the way to 183m from 19 runs and making 34 tackles. He was even in contention for the man of the match award. "We've had some conversations with Bill and it's all about what is best for the balance of our team," Carrigan said of his positional switch. "I won't touch on it too much but I think it is about getting the best out of each other as a team and creating a bit of havoc when I get on the field. "I just want to do my role for the team. I know that the boys that start are going to lay the foundations for us. "Coming off the bench ... I am excited. It gives me an opportunity to get into the game and make a difference." The 27-year-old also played game two of the 2022 series off the bench but has lined up at lock for his last eight Origin matches, including the 18-6 loss in Brisbane in game one this year where he topped the tackle count with 53 and ran for 139m. Carrigan may have paid a price for the Maroons' poor start in game one where penalties and a failure to win the ruck cost his side. "They probably won the ruck definitely when you look back at it. Our discipline was pretty poor and I was there at the start of the events," he said. "When you give the opposition so much footy you make it hard for yourself. The effort was always there but just our start let us down." Carrigan said he had ultimate faith that Loiero would do the job at lock. "He's playing for Melbourne at the moment and Billy watches every habit in everyone's game," he said. "I know Billy trusts him to do his job and we trust him too." Pat Carrigan was such a success in his Queensland debut off the bench in 2022 that coach Billy Slater will play him there again in a do-or-die State of Origin roll of the dice. The benching of regular Maroons lock Carrigan for game two of the series in Perth next week came as a shock to NSW, particularly second-rower Angus Crichton who insisted it was a "mind games" ploy. Crichton refused to believe the Maroons team list which has Melbourne forward Trent Loiero named at No.13 and Carrigan at No.17. Queensland can of course make a late switch if they choose but closer inspection reveals there is method in Slater's apparent madness. In game one of 2022, Carrigan had one of the great Maroons debuts off the bench. He smashed Jack Wighton with his first tackle and his opening run was hailed by Slater post-match as "a momentum shift for us" in a 16-10 win at Accor Stadium. The Brisbane forward came on in the 15th minute and played the rest of the match on the way to 183m from 19 runs and making 34 tackles. He was even in contention for the man of the match award. "We've had some conversations with Bill and it's all about what is best for the balance of our team," Carrigan said of his positional switch. "I won't touch on it too much but I think it is about getting the best out of each other as a team and creating a bit of havoc when I get on the field. "I just want to do my role for the team. I know that the boys that start are going to lay the foundations for us. "Coming off the bench ... I am excited. It gives me an opportunity to get into the game and make a difference." The 27-year-old also played game two of the 2022 series off the bench but has lined up at lock for his last eight Origin matches, including the 18-6 loss in Brisbane in game one this year where he topped the tackle count with 53 and ran for 139m. Carrigan may have paid a price for the Maroons' poor start in game one where penalties and a failure to win the ruck cost his side. "They probably won the ruck definitely when you look back at it. Our discipline was pretty poor and I was there at the start of the events," he said. "When you give the opposition so much footy you make it hard for yourself. The effort was always there but just our start let us down." Carrigan said he had ultimate faith that Loiero would do the job at lock. "He's playing for Melbourne at the moment and Billy watches every habit in everyone's game," he said. "I know Billy trusts him to do his job and we trust him too." Pat Carrigan was such a success in his Queensland debut off the bench in 2022 that coach Billy Slater will play him there again in a do-or-die State of Origin roll of the dice. The benching of regular Maroons lock Carrigan for game two of the series in Perth next week came as a shock to NSW, particularly second-rower Angus Crichton who insisted it was a "mind games" ploy. Crichton refused to believe the Maroons team list which has Melbourne forward Trent Loiero named at No.13 and Carrigan at No.17. Queensland can of course make a late switch if they choose but closer inspection reveals there is method in Slater's apparent madness. In game one of 2022, Carrigan had one of the great Maroons debuts off the bench. He smashed Jack Wighton with his first tackle and his opening run was hailed by Slater post-match as "a momentum shift for us" in a 16-10 win at Accor Stadium. The Brisbane forward came on in the 15th minute and played the rest of the match on the way to 183m from 19 runs and making 34 tackles. He was even in contention for the man of the match award. "We've had some conversations with Bill and it's all about what is best for the balance of our team," Carrigan said of his positional switch. "I won't touch on it too much but I think it is about getting the best out of each other as a team and creating a bit of havoc when I get on the field. "I just want to do my role for the team. I know that the boys that start are going to lay the foundations for us. "Coming off the bench ... I am excited. It gives me an opportunity to get into the game and make a difference." The 27-year-old also played game two of the 2022 series off the bench but has lined up at lock for his last eight Origin matches, including the 18-6 loss in Brisbane in game one this year where he topped the tackle count with 53 and ran for 139m. Carrigan may have paid a price for the Maroons' poor start in game one where penalties and a failure to win the ruck cost his side. "They probably won the ruck definitely when you look back at it. Our discipline was pretty poor and I was there at the start of the events," he said. "When you give the opposition so much footy you make it hard for yourself. The effort was always there but just our start let us down." Carrigan said he had ultimate faith that Loiero would do the job at lock. "He's playing for Melbourne at the moment and Billy watches every habit in everyone's game," he said. "I know Billy trusts him to do his job and we trust him too."
News.com.au
6 hours ago
- News.com.au
NRL world up in arms as ref blunder sinks Dragons
St George Illawarra have suffered back-to-back defeats after they were overpowered by Cronulla in the local derby on Thursday night, albeit with a slice of controversy. The Dragons had established an 18-6 lead at the break in enemy territory but were swamped by Cronulla in the second stanza, giving up 24 unanswered points. However, despite another loss, it was a controversial late penalty from a kick-off that got Shane Flanagan's goat. Trailing 24-18 with just over eight minutes left, the Dragons appeared to have regained possession thanks to a short kick-off, in a potentially momentum-turning play. But referee Grant Atkins ruled that, even though the player was over the 40-metre line when he batted it back, the ball didn't break the plane. That means in the referee's opinion, the ball didn't travel the required 10 metres, crossing the 40-metre line, and therefore the Sharks were awarded a penalty instead. So rather than the Dragons going on the attack trying to level up the match, they were made to defend their line, it was a decision they never recovered from. The commentators were left stunned by Atkins' call. 'Oh boy, it broke the plane for your life!' Warren Smith said in Fox commentary. You can watch the kick off drama in the player at the top of the page. 'They don't have their challenge, and it can't be overturned. Oh, it broke the plane! That had to have broken the plane.' Michael Ennis agreed with Smith. 'Oh no! Well and truly broke the plane,' Ennis said. 'It looked certain to have broken the plane.' Post-game, Flanagan was fuming with the decision. 'There were some decisions that I was amazed at,' Flanagan said. 'You were watching it (the game) weren't you? There was a kick-off that you should watch again. 'There's a red line there called the 40-metre line and Moses Suli was on the other side of the 40-metre line. You can watch it.' The NRL world was equally stunned by Atkins' error and questioned why the bunker or touch judge didn't overrule him. 'Refs cannot be getting the short kick of penalties wrong …. Why were the touch judges on the 50m line rather than the 40 … let the ref rule on off-side,' one fan wrote. 'The Dragons have every right to feel hard done by there,' another added. 'He's right in line how does he get that wrong? Big turning point. Why do we have touchies' a third said. The loss leaves the Dragons in 12th position on the NRL ladder with five wins and eight losses for the season, meanwhile the Sharks have moved to fifth position with eight wins and six losses.
