- Billy Slater reportedly set to drop his Queensland captain
- Daly Cherry-Evans has been the team captain since 2019
In a stunning development, Daly Cherry-Evans is set to become the first State of Origin captain dropped midway through a series this century, with Tom Dearden to take over as Queensland halfback.
Maroons selectors will meet on Sunday afternoon where Cherry-Evans is almost certain to be left out of the squad for Origin II, barring any late changes.
The call to leave Cherry-Evans out will easily be the biggest of Billy Slater’s coaching tenure, and one of the most seismic in recent memory from either state.
Cherry-Evans has been the Maroons’ first-choice No.7 and captain since 2019, taking Queensland to three series wins including their miraculous 2020 effort.
The 36-year-old has, however, come under fire since the Maroons’ 18-6 loss in Origin I, which marked their second straight defeat at Suncorp Stadium.
Slater was coy when asked about selection on the Nine Network’s Sunday Footy Show, and did not discuss the halfback position in depth.
Daly Cherry-Evans (pictured) is set to become the first State of Origin captain dropped midway through a series this century
Billy Slater was coy when asked about selection on the Nine Network’s Sunday Footy Show
Queensland dropped Trevor Gillmeister when he was captain in the 1990s.
NSW last year made the call to drop James Tedesco for Origin I before recalling him through injury and then leaving him out again for game two.
But neither state has decided to drop a captain from their side midway through a series this century.
Cherry-Evans’ omission is even more significant when considering only Wally Lewis, Darren Lockyer and Cameron Smith have captained more Origins for their state.
Dearden has won one of four games starting for the Maroons as a five-eighth, partnering Cherry-Evans in last year’s series and in the 2023 dead rubber.
Pat Carrigan said he believed the North Queensland playmaker would be ready for the challenge.
‘I played with Tommy when he debuted (for Brisbane) and his competitive nature hasn’t changed,’ Maroons lock Carrigan said.
‘He is playing great footy for the Cowboys and you put him in a Queensland jersey and he just grows to another level as well.
Cherry-Evans has been the Maroons’ first-choice No.7 and captain since 2019
‘Whether it be Chez or it be Tommy I know they can get the job done and we are going to need them to.’
Carrigan also spoke highly of Cherry-Evans.
‘Chez has done a lot for me not only as a footballer with advice but as a friend too. I love playing with him,’ Carrigan added.
‘He is a great man with great values and I know all the boys really appreciate him a lot too.
‘The big fella’s footy speaks for itself. I know what the boys think of him and how Queensland rugby league thinks of him as well.’
Slater must also weigh up changes in the Maroons’ pack, after they were outmuscled by NSW in game one and beaten through the middle.
Canberra forward Corey Horsburgh is one option to come into the side, while Beau Fermor could also potentially start ahead of Reuben Cotter.
‘I thoroughly believe whoever gets picked in that team deserves to be there and can well and truly get it done,’ Carrigan said.
‘We were our own worst enemy with some discipline things. I led the way.
‘If we dial back that sort of aggression there are plenty of really good forwards to well and truly handle the job.
