Daly Cherry-Evans has reportedly made a call on his Origin future as the Maroons attempt to wrestle back the shield.
9news and Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas revealed on Nine’s 100% Footy that Cherry-Evans “won’t make himself unavailable” for the Maroons.
Phil Gould and Paul Gallen both agreed he was always doing to be available.
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“One hundred per cent, no doubt,” they both said.
Daly Cherry-Evans speaks during a State of Origin media opportunity at Federation Square in 2024. Getty
Cherry-Evans’ decision will be a relief for coach Billy Slater with the half’s potential replacement Sam Walker currently out injured. Tom Dearden, Ben Hunt, Jamal Fogarty and Braydon Trindall would’ve also been in the mix.
The Manly half rocked the league world in March when he announced he was leaving the club.
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However, when quizzed on his Origin future, the 36-year-old admitted the fire was still in the belly to play for Queensland.
“That’s probably the next thing on my mind,” Cherry-Evans said.
“When you talk about parts of the game that you love, I mean I don’t love doing weights and I don’t love doing cardio, but I love playing State of Origin.
Billy Slater checks in with Maroons captain Daly Cherry-Evans. Chris Hyde via Getty Images
“… It’ll be really hard to say no to playing Origin again this year.”
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Just nine days ago, Maroons coach Billy Slater spoke on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show that he was unsure whether Cherry-Evans would continue.
“I would be surprised if he didn’t play,” he said.
