The inspirational leadership of Daly Cherry-Evans has proved decisive in Queensland wrapping up the State of Origin series and now he can rightly be regarded as one of the great Maroons captains.
The 34-year-old No.7 has now guided Queensland to three series wins out of four and his performance in the 32-6 win in game two at Suncorp Stadium was of the highest quality to give his side an unassailable two-nil series lead.
Cherry-Evans was backed to the hilt as captain last year by coach Billy Slater when there were question marks about his form entering the series. Like every other decision Slater has made in his tenure, it was pitch perfect.
There was a five-minute period before halftime where NSW dominated possession and territory. The Maroons needed a spark and the oldest man on the park provided it.
With Queensland ahead 4-0, Cherry-Evans came from the clouds to run down NSW centre Stephen Crichton with a cover tackle for the ages to save a certain try.
“In my head I was thinking Scotty Sattler,” joked DCE after the game.
Cameron Smith later lauded the Manly half for his inspiration.
In the next set he found the stamina and strength to make a crucial line break that took the Maroons into Blues territory. They never looked back from that moment.
Daly Cherry-Evans of the Maroons celebrates victory. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Cherry-Evans out-played NSW skipper James Tedesco and stepped up in more of the key moments that can make such a difference in the Origin arena.
On Wednesday night he led a team with 11 players aged 25 or under. The young guns are in good hands with Cherry-Evans at the helm.
To a man the Queenslanders epitomised the spirit that their captain displayed.
The Maroons’ defensive resolve and systems have been far superior to that of NSW in this series.
For the second match in a row the Blues dominated territory but were beaten.
Try-savers by the back five was a feature for Queensland and speaks of the attention to detail the players have put into their work.
Winger Murray Taulagi came up with two more massive last-ditched efforts to add to the one he made on Tedesco in game one.
Slater’s team selections proved another telling factor in the series win. Fullback Reece Walsh backed up his stellar debut with another showcase of blistering speed and skill.
Winger Xavier Coates was recalled to the side for the injured Selwyn Cobbo and was a weapon in the air and superb in defence.
NSW coach Brad Fittler’s selections on the other hand fell flat. Second-rower Hudson Young was underwhelming in both games. Slater was prepared to make big calls, such as playing the brilliant Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow as centre instead of stalwart Dane Gagai in game one and 20-year-old Jeremiah Nanai rather than veteran Felise Kaufusi in game two. Both were masterstrokes.
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