EXCLUSIVE: DCE and Hammer Under Pressure, Papalii Urged to ‘Return’ as Joey Identifies Five Key Changes Queensland Needs

Australian rugby league legend Andrew Johns has analysed the Queensland team’s disappointing loss in the State of Origin opener and suggested five modifications he believes are essential for coach Billy Slater ahead of game two.

During Nine’s post-match analysis on Wednesday night, the Immortal strongly advocated for captain and seasoned halfback Daly Cherry-Evans to step down — a bold stance he’s maintained. He also highlighted four other changes he feels are vital for Queensland’s crucial clash on June 18 in Perth.

The Maroons fell 18-6 at Suncorp Stadium and are now in a must-win situation to regain the Origin shield.

DCE Out, Dearden In

Cherry-Evans didn’t benefit from a strong forward pack in game one, as the Blues, led by an outstanding performance from front-rower Payne Haas, accumulated 1753 run metres compared to the Maroons’ 1425.

Despite this, Cherry-Evans struggled to manage the game from the middle with his kicking. The 36-year-old executed nine kicks for just 262 metres, while five-eighth Cameron Munster, who typically relies on Cherry-Evans for most kicking duties, recorded 12 kicks for 338 metres.

The Manly skipper’s lacklustre performance, combined with his age and the Blues’ commanding victory, has sparked discussions about whether he should end his remarkable 26-match Origin career.

“No one overcomes father time,” remarked Johns during Nine’s Immortal Behaviour.

“Every champion faces the end, and I believe that moment has arrived for Daly … which is a significant call … The choice on the halfback needs to be made.”

Johns advocates for 24-year-old Cowboys playmaker Tom Dearden, who spent 27 minutes on the bench in game one, to take over from Cherry-Evans.

“He’s the future,” Johns stated.

“He needs to be given a chance … It’s time for him to step up as halfback.”

Additionally, Johns proposed 31-year-old Jamal Fogarty from the Raiders as a viable replacement for Cherry-Evans, describing him as a “steady hand” capable of enhancing game management for Munster and fullback Kalyn Ponga.

“It’s challenging when players don’t make the decision themselves,” former Blues star Allana Ferguson mentioned regarding Cherry-Evans on Immortal Behaviour. “He has been Queensland’s hero for years!”

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Tabuai-Fidow Out, Cobbo In

Johns described Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s defensive misjudgement prior to Zac Lomax’s second try as “concerning”.

Playing left centre, the Dolphins star was drawn in by a decoy run from Stephen Crichton, which caused Valentine Holmes, stationed on the left wing, to rush in on NSW fullback Dylan Edwards. This left Lomax unmarked for an easy try.

“In Origin, having a defensive lapse like that is unacceptable,” Johns stated.

He recommended that Selwyn Cobbo be reinstated in the Queensland line-up as a replacement for “The Hammer”.

Johns suggested Cobbo should occupy the left wing, moving Holmes into left centre.

“Val Holmes has performed well at centre in club games, but they need a more robust player for tough situations, and Cobbo fits the bill,” Johns concluded.

Fotuaika Out, Horsburgh In

“They need someone with grit.”

These words referred to Canberra’s big and fearless Corey Horsburgh, as expressed by Johns in Immortal Behaviour.

Johns believes the Maroons should recall Horsburgh in place of Moeaki Fotuaika, who offered minimal impact in the first game.

While Fotuaika made 35 tackles, he only carried the ball four times for 38 run metres and missed three tackles over the course of the match.

Papalii and Hopgood In

“Come back, the state needs you.”

These words referred to another Raiders favourite, veteran prop Josh Papalii.

Johns believes that Papalii and Eels back-rower J’maine Hopgood should join the bench, although he didn’t specify who would be leaving, suggesting it might be back-rowers Beau Fermor or Trent Loiero.

“Billy should definitely reach out to Josh Papalii,” Johns advised.

Though Papalii announced his retirement from an impressive 23-match Origin career in 2023, Johns pointed out that both Brad Fittler and Allan Langer stepped away from the Origin scene only to make comebacks and thrive.

Hopgood also participated in game one of the previous year’s series.

“J’maine brings a unique quality with his offload ability, which could really enhance the Queensland setup,” Johns said. “That adds a distinct element to their play.”