Daly Cherry-Evans, captain of the mighty Queenslanders, is now facing intense pressure. This follows on from their disappointing 18-6 loss to New South Wales in the opening game of the State of Origin series. At 36, Cherry-Evans, a halfback, still plays. Now, though, he’s firmly established as the primary player on the ideological battleground over the team’s long-term direction. The defeat has led to serious speculation about upheaval in the squad. Most are especially concerned with who should fill the key No. 7 job.
North Queensland Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden looks like a great choice to us for claiming the halfback spot. Dearden impressed in his first outing wearing the No.6 jersey during last year’s series. He received high praise for his excellent display at No. 6 for Australia in the Pacific Cup. Andrew Johns, a former rugby league great, openly suggested that Cherry-Evans should be replaced by Dearden, stating, “Look, no one beats Father Time and DCE is what, (36)? I think they have to pull the trigger and bring Dearden in.”
Shane Webcke, yet another rugby league legend, raised the alarm over Queensland’s plight. He stated, “I am a bit worried. There’s some serious questions to be asked. Unfortunately, one of them I think might be Daly Cherry-Evans.” As Webcke stated, the team needs to be open to new ideas and different faces to tackle the problems they face today.
Though critics called the move reckless, Cherry-Evans is undeterred and has continued to preach his desert island faith in the team’s potential. He understands the heavy burden of responsibility that his leadership position carries and vows to improve himself as a leader. “Because of the role I have for this side, I will definitely take my share of responsibility and look really hard at where I can help the team get better for the next game,” he remarked. It’s hard at any time when you lose to be in the position that I’m in. It’s not lost on me.
Maroons coach Billy Slater made a staunch defence of Cherry-Evans and the entire team in the aftermath of the loss. He suggested that he wouldn’t be focusing on knee-jerk reactions and mentioned the need for continuity within the staff. “Sometimes you have to do things not the way you planned it at the start,” Cherry-Evans added, reflecting on the need for adaptability in challenging situations.
Queensland’s history makes their current situation more urgent. The Maroons have never lost the opening Origin match at home. When they win that pivotal third match, they usually win the series, with two matches remaining on an opponent’s home court. This number hangs heavy as players and fans alike try to come to terms with the reality of their recent loss.
In a moment of reflection, Cherry-Evans stated, “Those stats are there to be broken. That’s the mentality we’ve got to have, create our own bit of history.” He reiterated his commitment to Queensland rugby league: “Queensland will be cheering from afar, so we have to do them proud.”
As Cherry-Evans considers what to do next, he’s aware that self-doubt can start to set in following defeat. “When you lose, it’s just natural in this game that those questions will be asked,” he noted. However, he remains determined to harness this adversity as an opportunity for growth: “It’s a greater sign of a team facing adversity, overcoming obstacles and that’s the opportunity we’ve got in front of us.”
