Latest news with #DalyCherry-Evans
7NEWS
6 days ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Daly Cherry-Evans responds to calls for Queensland to ‘pull the trigger' on axing captain for State of Origin II
Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans wants to achieve a 45-year first for the Maroons and stay on as halfback amid Andrew Johns' call for him to be axed. After the Maroons' 18-6 loss to NSW in the State of Origin series opener, their third defeat in a row to the Blues, NSW's greatest halfback said it was time for current No.14 Tom Dearden to take over as No.7. 'Look, no one beats Father Time and DCE is what, (36)? I think they have to pull the trigger and bring Dearden in,' now commentator Johns said. North Queensland co-captain Dearden played five-eighth in last year's series and was outstanding at No.6 for Australia in last year's Pacific Cup. Cherry-Evans, the oldest Origin player in history, was below his best in his 26th match for the Maroons but Queensland have never dropped a captain mid-series in their Origin history. It is why Maroons legend Shane Webcke told Triple M on Wednesday night the state was facing a quandary. 'I am a bit worried. There's some serious questions to be asked. And unfortunately, one of them I think might be Daly Cherry-Evans,' Webcke said. 'I just feel like he's at that point in his career. And when you see him with (No.6) Cameron Munster tonight, the magic wasn't there. And that worries me. 'And I hate to suggest something about a bloke like Daly Cherry-Evans, but I feel like at the end of the last series, we probably lost the opportunity with a bloke like him. 'He's 36 years old. But the opportunity was probably there to reinvent a bit. And I think we might pay a price for not having done that.' Cherry-Evans has been around long enough to know these kind of murmurs arise after losses, but he wants to create history with Queensland and be part of a memorable series victory. The Maroons have never lost the opening Origin match at home and then won the series with two games on the road. They now must do so in Perth and Sydney to raise the shield. 'Those stats are there to be broken. That's the mentality we've got to have, create our own bit of history,' he said. 'Sometimes you have to do things not the way you planned it at the start. 'It's a greater sign of a team facing adversity, overcoming obstacles and that's the opportunity we've got in front of us. I believe in the group and I believe in everyone, from the coaching staff to the playing group. 'Queensland will be cheering from afar, so we have to do them proud.' The skipper also addressed claims he was a spent force at Origin level but rejected that sentiment. 'When you lose, it's just natural in this game that those questions will be asked,' he said. 'I just have to go away, look at my own performance and where I can help the team get better. I am certainly not the one to lose self-belief, that's for sure. 'Because of the role I have for this side, I will definitely take my share of responsibility and look really hard at where I can help the team get better for the next game. It's always difficult after a loss being in the position I'm in. It's not lost on me.' Cherry-Evans has been in this position before. In 2020 he led a team that was tagged the worst Maroons side of all-time to a 2-1 series win. It is why he retains the faith this series can be salvaged. 'There's a lot of people in this group who have played a lot of footy together,' he said. 'This is going to be our greatest test and because of the relationships and the talent in the team, that's why I've got so much belief we can do this.' Queensland coach Billy Slater was unequivocal in his support of the squad immediately after the defeat, suggesting he would not make any rash changes.
The Age
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The Age
DCE in line with Klein as skipper rubbishes subterfuge
Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans has slammed suggestions there was anything untoward about his recent friendly chat with State of Origin referee Ashley Klein. The Maroons skipper has also poured cold water on claims that the playing group has an issue with Brisbane outside back Selwyn Cobbo, who was overlooked for selection for the Origin series opener at Suncorp Stadium. A story in this masthead on Sunday contained an image of the Manly captain in conversation in the stands a fortnight ago at Brookvale Oval with Klein, who will take charge of the clash on Wednesday night. NSW legend Ben Elias threw fuel on the fire by stating 'it is that time of year again when Queensland start buttering up the referees', implying the Maroons were trying to get some kind of competitive advantage. 'I'm not going to be able to remember the conversation exactly because I don't remember it being nothing more than just a conversation,' Cherry-Evans said when asked about the chat. Loading 'We have referees come out to our training sessions weekly at Manly. They are humans. They are people. They have families and more often than not we're just talking about our kids and how much they are misbehaving. 'Read into it what you will, but there's nothing really there for me. We are all human and like to talk about our problems. It's just as simple as that really.' The Maroons captain was asked if he had a good relationship with Klein.
Sydney Morning Herald
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
DCE in line with Klein as skipper rubbishes subterfuge
Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans has slammed suggestions there was anything untoward about his recent friendly chat with State of Origin referee Ashley Klein. The Maroons skipper has also poured cold water on claims that the playing group has an issue with Brisbane outside back Selwyn Cobbo, who was overlooked for selection for the Origin series opener at Suncorp Stadium. A story in this masthead on Sunday contained an image of the Manly captain in conversation in the stands a fortnight ago at Brookvale Oval with Klein, who will take charge of the clash on Wednesday night. NSW legend Ben Elias threw fuel on the fire by stating 'it is that time of year again when Queensland start buttering up the referees', implying the Maroons were trying to get some kind of competitive advantage. 'I'm not going to be able to remember the conversation exactly because I don't remember it being nothing more than just a conversation,' Cherry-Evans said when asked about the chat. Loading 'We have referees come out to our training sessions weekly at Manly. They are humans. They are people. They have families and more often than not we're just talking about our kids and how much they are misbehaving. 'Read into it what you will, but there's nothing really there for me. We are all human and like to talk about our problems. It's just as simple as that really.' The Maroons captain was asked if he had a good relationship with Klein.
The Advertiser
25-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Blues bank on 31-year first to help conquer Suncorp
NSW believe winning experience can help them conquer Suncorp Stadium again, armed with their fewest number of debutants for a State of Origin opener in 31 years. The Blues eased into their Brisbane base on Monday morning, ready to embrace the warmer and dryer weather ahead of game one on Wednesday night. Queensland will still enter Suncorp Stadium as the most experienced side, thanks largely to veterans Daly Cherry-Evans, Cameron Munster and Valentine Holmes. But while three players alone account for more than a third of the Maroons' 160 games, it is a distinct lack of inexperience the Blues will bank on. Max King's selection as the sole debutant makes this year's series the first time the Blues have entered with only one untried rookie since David Barnhill in 1994. NSW have also only made four changes from the side that won last year's decider in Brisbane, a far cry from the 10 that Michael Maguire opted for at the start of 2024. "It just helps, particularly going up to Suncorp for the first game," captain Isaah Yeo said. "It helps that you've been there and experienced it. It's the most wonderful stadium to play in, particularly for Origin because it's so loud. "And when you've had success as a group that helps for later series. Off the back of last year's result, we have most the boys back. "But now we've got to go and action it as well." Also playing into the Blues' hands is a desire to embrace Suncorp, rather than be intimidated by it. Of NSW's 17 players, only King and Hudson Young have not won at Suncorp Stadium before. The Blues' core group tasted success there in 2021 and in last year's decider, while NSW also remain undefeated in Perth where they will play Origin II. "I probably never found Suncorp intimidating, I just thrived on it," Blues second-rower and pantomime villain Liam Martin said. "That hostile environment, it's incredible. There is nothing like it, and when you run out to 50,000 people booing, it's pretty special. "When I ran out for my debut in Origin it was in Townsville and there were about 20 NSW fans there. It was nuts. "That was my introduction to Origin. As soon as I ran on the field I was like 'I love this'. I never thought about shying away from it." NSW believe winning experience can help them conquer Suncorp Stadium again, armed with their fewest number of debutants for a State of Origin opener in 31 years. The Blues eased into their Brisbane base on Monday morning, ready to embrace the warmer and dryer weather ahead of game one on Wednesday night. Queensland will still enter Suncorp Stadium as the most experienced side, thanks largely to veterans Daly Cherry-Evans, Cameron Munster and Valentine Holmes. But while three players alone account for more than a third of the Maroons' 160 games, it is a distinct lack of inexperience the Blues will bank on. Max King's selection as the sole debutant makes this year's series the first time the Blues have entered with only one untried rookie since David Barnhill in 1994. NSW have also only made four changes from the side that won last year's decider in Brisbane, a far cry from the 10 that Michael Maguire opted for at the start of 2024. "It just helps, particularly going up to Suncorp for the first game," captain Isaah Yeo said. "It helps that you've been there and experienced it. It's the most wonderful stadium to play in, particularly for Origin because it's so loud. "And when you've had success as a group that helps for later series. Off the back of last year's result, we have most the boys back. "But now we've got to go and action it as well." Also playing into the Blues' hands is a desire to embrace Suncorp, rather than be intimidated by it. Of NSW's 17 players, only King and Hudson Young have not won at Suncorp Stadium before. The Blues' core group tasted success there in 2021 and in last year's decider, while NSW also remain undefeated in Perth where they will play Origin II. "I probably never found Suncorp intimidating, I just thrived on it," Blues second-rower and pantomime villain Liam Martin said. "That hostile environment, it's incredible. There is nothing like it, and when you run out to 50,000 people booing, it's pretty special. "When I ran out for my debut in Origin it was in Townsville and there were about 20 NSW fans there. It was nuts. "That was my introduction to Origin. As soon as I ran on the field I was like 'I love this'. I never thought about shying away from it." NSW believe winning experience can help them conquer Suncorp Stadium again, armed with their fewest number of debutants for a State of Origin opener in 31 years. The Blues eased into their Brisbane base on Monday morning, ready to embrace the warmer and dryer weather ahead of game one on Wednesday night. Queensland will still enter Suncorp Stadium as the most experienced side, thanks largely to veterans Daly Cherry-Evans, Cameron Munster and Valentine Holmes. But while three players alone account for more than a third of the Maroons' 160 games, it is a distinct lack of inexperience the Blues will bank on. Max King's selection as the sole debutant makes this year's series the first time the Blues have entered with only one untried rookie since David Barnhill in 1994. NSW have also only made four changes from the side that won last year's decider in Brisbane, a far cry from the 10 that Michael Maguire opted for at the start of 2024. "It just helps, particularly going up to Suncorp for the first game," captain Isaah Yeo said. "It helps that you've been there and experienced it. It's the most wonderful stadium to play in, particularly for Origin because it's so loud. "And when you've had success as a group that helps for later series. Off the back of last year's result, we have most the boys back. "But now we've got to go and action it as well." Also playing into the Blues' hands is a desire to embrace Suncorp, rather than be intimidated by it. Of NSW's 17 players, only King and Hudson Young have not won at Suncorp Stadium before. The Blues' core group tasted success there in 2021 and in last year's decider, while NSW also remain undefeated in Perth where they will play Origin II. "I probably never found Suncorp intimidating, I just thrived on it," Blues second-rower and pantomime villain Liam Martin said. "That hostile environment, it's incredible. There is nothing like it, and when you run out to 50,000 people booing, it's pretty special. "When I ran out for my debut in Origin it was in Townsville and there were about 20 NSW fans there. It was nuts. "That was my introduction to Origin. As soon as I ran on the field I was like 'I love this'. I never thought about shying away from it."
Perth Now
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Blues bank on 31-year first to help conquer Suncorp
NSW believe winning experience can help them conquer Suncorp Stadium again, armed with their fewest number of debutants for a State of Origin opener in 31 years. The Blues eased into their Brisbane base on Monday morning, ready to embrace the warmer and dryer weather ahead of game one on Wednesday night. Queensland will still enter Suncorp Stadium as the most experienced side, thanks largely to veterans Daly Cherry-Evans, Cameron Munster and Valentine Holmes. But while three players alone account for more than a third of the Maroons' 160 games, it is a distinct lack of inexperience the Blues will bank on. Max King's selection as the sole debutant makes this year's series the first time the Blues have entered with only one untried rookie since David Barnhill in 1994. NSW have also only made four changes from the side that won last year's decider in Brisbane, a far cry from the 10 that Michael Maguire opted for at the start of 2024. "It just helps, particularly going up to Suncorp for the first game," captain Isaah Yeo said. "It helps that you've been there and experienced it. It's the most wonderful stadium to play in, particularly for Origin because it's so loud. "And when you've had success as a group that helps for later series. Off the back of last year's result, we have most the boys back. "But now we've got to go and action it as well." Also playing into the Blues' hands is a desire to embrace Suncorp, rather than be intimidated by it. Of NSW's 17 players, only King and Hudson Young have not won at Suncorp Stadium before. The Blues' core group tasted success there in 2021 and in last year's decider, while NSW also remain undefeated in Perth where they will play Origin II. "I probably never found Suncorp intimidating, I just thrived on it," Blues second-rower and pantomime villain Liam Martin said. "That hostile environment, it's incredible. There is nothing like it, and when you run out to 50,000 people booing, it's pretty special. "When I ran out for my debut in Origin it was in Townsville and there were about 20 NSW fans there. It was nuts. "That was my introduction to Origin. As soon as I ran on the field I was like 'I love this'. I never thought about shying away from it."
