Daly Cherry-Evans has disclosed that he received no prior warning from Maroons coach Billy Slater regarding his impending exclusion from the Queensland team for State of Origin II.
Speculation began to circulate almost immediately after the final whistle blew at Suncorp Stadium following game one, hinting that Cherry-Evans’ position in the squad was at risk.
The chatter intensified over the weekend, culminating in confirmation on Monday morning when Slater unveiled his team selection.
Addressing the media after Manly’s 28-8 defeat to the Titans on the Gold Coast, Cherry-Evans stated that Slater’s call on Sunday was the first time he had heard the news directly from him.
Daly Cherry-Evans addresses the media following the Gold Coast defeat. Nine
Nevertheless, he maintained that he was able to swiftly move on and concentrate on the match against the Titans.
“The start of the week was challenging – I got the news on Sunday and had to face the boys at training on Monday,” he explained.
“Afterwards, I genuinely began to feel like things were normal again. This isn’t the first time I’ve been dropped from the Queensland squad, so I suppose I had the experience to manage it.
“You can’t dwell on the things beyond your control, and while receiving the initial news was difficult, I managed to move forward, focusing on playing well tonight.”
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When quizzed directly about whether he had received any hints that the decision was imminent, Cherry-Evans replied, “No – I just got the call on Sunday and then moved on from there.”
The upcoming match in Perth will mark the first Origin game Cherry-Evans will miss since game two of 2018.
The 36-year-old had a disappointing performance against the Titans, having kicked the ball dead twice and being thoroughly outperformed by Titans playmaker Kieran Foran, who had an exceptional game.
This also marks Manly’s second consecutive loss to a bottom-four team, following a narrow defeat to Newcastle in a golden-point showdown last week.
Cherry-Evans was also asked about the potential of his rumoured transfer to the Roosters falling through, given his lacklustre form may give the Bondi club reservations.
“I don’t really concern myself with that – I keep out of it,” he stated.
“All I can control is my performance at Manly, and speculation is just that – speculation.
“But clearly, after losing a couple in a row, it would be silly for me to worry about anything else.”
The Sea Eagles have a bye next week before facing the Tigers at home the following Friday.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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