Daly Cherry-Evans is well in the mix to replace injured Queensland champion Johnathan Thurston for the State of Origin decider, according to coach Kevin Walters.
Walters is on the search for a new five-eighth for game three after Thurston was last week ruled out for the rest of the NRL season after aggravating a shoulder injury in game two.
Cherry-Evans is among of host of well-credentialed candidates for the July 12 encounter, including Michael Morgan, Corey Norman, Moses Mbye and Ben Hunt.
However Walters admits Manly captain Cherry-Evans is in the hottest form of his career after leading the Sea Eagles to the top four for the first time in three seasons.
Walters also pointed to Cherry-Evans’ six previous Origin appearances between 2013-15.
“He’s obviously played Origin before so that’s a big bonus for him, and I think he’s in career-best form,” Walters said on Fox Sports’ NRL360 on Monday.
“When he was picked for Queensland last time, I don’t think he was playing as well as what he is at the moment with the Manly side. He’s certainly in contention.
“Certainly all of his stats are pointing in the right direction. He’s having a great year for the Manly side, but we’ve got to make a decision ourselves once we get through the weekend
“He’s one of those guys that we’re looking at. He’s in the mix, definitely.”
Walters also poured cold water on rumours Cherry-Evans is out of favour with senior players in the Maroons’ set up, which has kept him out of Origin contention in recent years.
“I hear that rumour often bob its head up. There’s nothing in it. If he’s not selected, that won’t be the reason, it’ll be something else,” Walters said.
NSW coach Laurie Daley said Cherry-Evans had found another level in his game this season, and believed the Sea Eagles No.7 would be a perfect fit with Cooper Cronk if selected.
“Cooper and Cameron would probably run the show and get them to where they need to be, and then Daly can play that floating role on the left side of the field, play what he sees,” he said.
Both states name their teams next Monday.
Mike Dugg
Guest
Napa didn't do much game 1 and smashed it in game 2. Probably same strategy for Wallace
Rob
Guest
Yes, we have some injuries and a rebuilding phase happening. I'm excited about the new team.
Bugo
Guest
Am very happy to see all the prospective seventeen lists for qld. Usually at this time of year all southerners and their dogs post and argue over the team list whilst the derlanders have a laugh.
Dan
Guest
Bolton or Thaiday over Glasby for sure. I would keep morgan on bench - munster in, not sure at 5/8 or centre. Papali was ineffective in middle but should keep his spot. Wallace played limited time so morgan coukd stay on at lock.He's good.
Rob
Guest
I'm so happy to see comments about Morgan moving to right centre. Should have been there since Hodges retired IMO. I think Cherry-evans could work with Cronk but I would go for Munster right now as he has the club combination with 1,7,9. Queensland have to win back the middle and puts some meters back on the NSW pack so I would go big and quick off the bench and bring back Sammy T. for one last 25min crack. Glasby just didn't look up to it, but I think Origin would suit Kafusi. Cooper is only solid without JT. 1) Slater 2) Holmes 3) Chambers 4) Morgan 5) Gaigai 6) Munster 7) Cronk 8) Bolton is a tractor who just rolls forward. 9) Smith 10) Napa 11) Kafusi 12) Gillett 13) McGuire 14) Wallace 15) Papalli 16) Hess is quick enough to play on the edge if a back is injured. (would't he be scary on the wing) 17) Thiaday
Dan
Guest
Jarrod Wallace made 2 runs and played 25 mins. Was that the plan for him when he was selected? Thaiday has got to be hurting. Put him in as prop for Wallace, his played 80mins at Origin level before and would be fired up.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
1. Slater 2. Gagai 3. Chambers 4. Morgan 5. Holmes 6. Munster 7. Cronk 8. Napa 9. Smith 10. Wallace 11. Cooper 12. Gillette 13. Macguire 14. Oates 15. Hess 16. Papali 17. Glasby 18. Cherry Evans 19. Macdonald I
hopeless knight
Guest
Munster will be centre. Gagai has been QLD best player and at wing why move him.
Clyde
Guest
Munster is definitely part of Qlds future plans, whether or not it's game 3 he will be there next year, perfect utility option as Morgan moves into starting side, all depending on form of course. I was flicking through each NRL roster yesterday, Qld have slim pickings as far as outside backs and forwards after our 1st 17...
kk
Roar Pro
Glasby out/ Swap Munster and DCE. All subject to R17 clearance. Munster is one of Coop's star pupils so he may be best in starting 17.
Clyde
Guest
1. Slater 2. Gagai 3. Chambers 4. Morgan 5. Holmes 6. Cherry-Evans 7. Cronk 8. Napa 9. Smith 10. Wallace 11. Cooper 12. Gillette 13. Macguire 14. Oates 15. Hess 16. Papali 17. Glasby 18. Munster 19. Macdonald Still a strong looking side, well balanced without having to blood new players for a decider. Keep Munster as 18th man and bring in 6'4 & 105 kg+ Nene Macdonald as 19th man into camp and maybe someone like Ethan Lowe as well.
kk
Roar Pro
Excluding the fit but rested, Round 17 will determine the playing lists for O3 I expect DCE to be named in Q's 17.