Daly Cherry-Evans’ decision to turn his back on the Gold Coast to stay with Manly could cost the star NRL playmaker a berth in the Queensland side for State of Origin II, NSW great Andrew Johns has suggested.
Cherry-Evans last week reneged on his multi-million dollar deal with the Titans to stick with the Sea Eagles long-term.
The premiership-winning halfback was roundly booed by the Suncorp Stadium crowd during Manly’s loss to Brisbane on Friday night in a general indication of fans feelings about Cherry-Evans’ contract betrayal, particularly in Queensland.
Maroons coach Mal Meninga has always been particular about the mood and atmosphere of the Queensland camp during his highly successful reign.
As a result of that, Johns told Channel Nine that Cherry-Evans’ highly criticised contract stance could influence Meninga’s selection policy for Origin II.
“It is very rare Queenslanders turn on their own, whether that comes into whether Mal Meninga picks him or not (I don’t know),” the rugby league Immortal and Manly assisant coach said.
“The way that the Queensland fans have responded and treated Daly when he went north, does that come into Mal Meninga’s head when he is picking him for camp?
“When Mal talks about the players he picks and what he wants in the camp, it’s all about attitude, morals and behaviours.
“It will be interesting to see what Mal is thinking.”
Cherry-Evans missed Queensland’s victory in Game I last month due to a shoulder injury. He was replaced on the Maroons bench for the ANZ Stadium encounter by North Queensland’s Michael Morgan.
Cherry-Evans returned from the injury in Manly’s loss to Brisbane.
Meninga on Tuesday announces his team for Origin II at MCG on June 17.
The former Queensland great has previously said Morgan’s impressive debut in Sydney has given him a selection dilemma as to the make-up of his interchange bench.
johnno2
Guest
I'd go with ben hunt before DCE.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Nah not really dislike. More an ingrained ambivalence stemming from the late 70s. Credit where it's due, they've been quality for years. Okay yeah I guess I do dislike them. It's just such a silly thing to dislike a club. But now Cherry has done something to pee off most of Queensland, I'm happy again. I was indeed referring to Jamie Lyon, I'm not aware of what Peter Sterling had to do with any of that.
The eye
Guest
Surely Qld aren't that juvenile...if it's about 'attitudes,morals and behaviours' what's Nate Miles doing in the side ?
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Geez, you really dislike Manly. Can't blame you with your poor form against us in finals. But they have form? I assume you are referring to Jamie Lyon. Best speak to Sterlo et al about that one.
ferret
Guest
At the moment Michael Morgan is playing better footy and covers more positions than DCE. I'd stick with Morgan.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Not sure why a rep side would want to pick him anyway.. whenever he has started in a rep side he hasn't looked good to put it mildly.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Nup. he'll be selected. If there's any certaintees in life it's taxes, death, and the QLD SOO team.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Ah, joey Johns, expert on all things qld
up in the north
Roar Rookie
I can see this yarn gathering some traction and developing into Cherry making himself unavailable for rep' duties. I'll bet there's a clause in the contract for life that says he must put Manly first. Let's face It they've got form.
ADP
Guest
After announcing he was going to the AFL, falou played for Queensland in 2010 at ANZ Stadium.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
It's Origin time. This is Joey Johns stirring the pot, knowing that DCE would probably be getting a good giggle out of it too. They are both pretty close after working together at Manly over the years.
Niall
Guest
He didn't get a jersey though. They left him out
ADP
Guest
Well if falou got a jersey when he left for the AFL, we all know that Queensland will give anyone a go!!!
nopuritan
Guest
i bet when DCE shafted the Titans he thought he would be sent to Manly, not Coventry.