LISTEN: Everyone claps Fogarty's call on Tedesco's Origin spot... until they remember he's a Qlder
"That was just a glowing endorsement from Dylan Edwards"
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.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
"That was just a glowing endorsement from Dylan Edwards"
The only real selection debate for Billy Slater has been settled by Kalyn Ponga’s untimely foot injury. Newcastle’s captain was probably unlikely to get…
Queensland often has the right mix of generational talent, playmaking brilliance and these nuts-and-bolts players that bind them together like glue.
Despite a poor season by his own high standards, Latrell Mitchell is still a chance to force his way into the NSW team for…
Veteran Queensland trio Felise Kaufusi, Dane Gagai and Kurt Capewell have been included in a 34-man Maroons squad that will meet in Brisbane to…
Matt Ballin will replace Cameron Smith on the Queensland coaching staff this State of Origin series. An assistant coach at Brisbane since late 2021,…