A player who has been on the tip of every rugby league fan’s tongue of late is Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans.
When Cherry-Evans started his first grade career in 2011, many experts and alike gave him a wrap, stating he was the next world-class halfback.
And as time has shown, DCE has become just that after only his third year in the NRL.
But with Dally M Player of the Year Cooper Cronk seemingly standing in his way in representative footy, the question has been raised as to which player should be the starting half for both Queensland and Australia.
On one hand you have Cronk, a four-time Dally M halfback of the year and the current Player of the Year, with over 230 first grade games and 12 Origins under his belt.
Largely regarded as having the best kicking game in the world, Cronk has been an incredibly instrumental factor in the Melbourne Storm’s dominance over the last decade.
On the other hand, you have arguably the brightest player and halfback to come into the NRL since Andrew ‘Joey’ Johns.
Winning both the Clive Churchill Medal (in a losing team by the way) as well as the RLIF Halfback of the Year, to say DCE’s future is looking promising is the understatement of the year.
Tim Sheens gave Cherry-Evans two chances in this recent World Cup in the starting half position, even putting him into the unfamiliar position of five-eighth.
But, as we all saw, the young man from Redcliffe, Queensland was more than ready for the challenge.
Many will argue Cronk’s relationship with Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston is too strong to drop him back to the bench – as the old saying goes, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’.
But, as it may turn out, the future of a young halfback may be on the line.
At the age of 24, DCE is at the prime stage to either make himself known as one of the best halfbacks in the world, or just an above average one.
2014 may be the time for when Queensland coach Mal Meninga makes the all important call which shapes DCE’s future.
Luke Smyke
Roar Pro
Queensland have long had this "ideal" predicament, prior to the cronk era they had Scotty Prince sitting on the sidelines year in year out because of JT. If prince or DCE were new south welshman we wouldnt be stuck with a halfback with the creativity of an accountant and the touch of a rapist when it comes to his kicking game, and perhaps we may have won something in the last 7 years. DCE will get his chance to shine but at this stage i think Cronk deserves to hold his spot
Matt
Guest
sorry my bad.
Quentin Conners
Guest
I do agree that Cooper is one of the best in the business, and that DCE will get his go in the future. All I'm stating is the fact that the question of 'who should be the #7. for Queensland?' will get more and more difficult each year as Cherry-Evans refines his skills and abilities.
Quentin Conners
Guest
I agree with the statement that although brilliant, DCE probably isn't passed Cronk's level yet. However, it will be very interesting to see what Mal Meninga decides in the next State of Origin as Cherry-Evans' form is becoming consistent and he may not want to hold DCE back. I do agree with you though, I don't think Cronk will lose his spot for a few more seasons.
Muzz
Guest
We will know after the final if Sheens has made the correct decision to go with experience over form....I think both the Roosters and the Sea Eagles would beat an Australian side that picks Cronk ahead of DCE, Slater ahead of GI at fullback, Tate ahead of Jennings....Gallen and Boyd are not what they use to be either....After watching the Storm get beaten comfortably by Souths and then eliminated by Newcastle i realised that the big three who are amongst the best players to wear the green and gold jumper may no longer be the first choice in the Australian side....Time will tell
Tom
Guest
DCE is better than Cronk but Cronk always performs well at Rep level keeping DCE out of the QLD and Australia team. If you perform well at Rep level you will always get picked just ask Darius Boyd.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Thurston had to serve time behind Shifty Sherwin
The Barry
Roar Guru
DCE is brilliant...Cronk is better. Most players have to serve an apprenticeship...Cronk had to wait for Locky to retire.
Rebel
Guest
Never? May want to recheck that.
matt dunbar
Roar Rookie
just because you're the best doesn't mean you'll get the job
matt dunbar
Roar Rookie
remember joey johns never started an Origin at half back. some bloke called Noddy kept him out of the NSW and Australian side
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
DCE should be the starter for QLD next year, Cronk adds more possibilities and variety as the back utility on the bench. He can play hooker, back row, and both halves spots while Daly cant
The eye
Guest
Me too..if this game defies form and becomes close,the kicking game and repeat sets will be crucial.And the spine,its now a well oiled machine..on unfinished business.
Jack Henry
Guest
So would I. DCE will get his go, but Cooper's the best in the business. At last, a Dally M that was justified.
daniel p
Guest
I'll take Cooper starting over Dce every day of the week