DCE READY TO CRACK THURSTON'S CODE
By Paul Crawley
DALY Cherry-Evans has been a Queensland outcast for two years since Johnathan Thurston’s “coded warning”.
Now the Manly skipper is ready to prove he deserves another shot.
That’s the message from Trent Barrett ahead of Cherry-Evans’ face-off with Brisbane’s Anthony Milford this Saturday that could well decide who gets the injured Thurston’s No 6 jumper for Origin I.
“Look, he is not going to come out publicly and say it to you. But I know that he’d have the real desire to get back in the side and prove that he can play at that level,” Barrett told The Daily Telegraph.
With Parramatta’s Corey Norman and Michael Morgan also in the mix, form right now would tell you Cherry-Evans has the jump on his rivals.
But history says otherwise.
Once labelled the man likely to take over from Cam Smith as the next Australian and Queensland captain, Cherry-Evans has been on the representative outer since his last appearance for the Maroons in game two, 2015.
In fact, it was after the loss to NSW in Melbourne that Thurston issued what was labelled a crack at Cherry-Evans after he was dumped from the team to make way for Cooper Cronk’s return.
Without actually naming Cherry-Evans, Thurston spoke glowingly of Cronk’s ability to lift those around him.
Most perceived Thurston’s comments to be a direct shot at Cherry-Evans after Michael Morgan was retained on the Queensland bench ahead of the Manly half who had played six Origins up to that point.
Thurston also pointed out with the amount of great players in the Queensland team one of their strengths was their ability to work together.
“We don’t rely on one bloke to win us the game,” Thurston said.
“We’re at our best when we’re able to get everyone involved in the game _ and I think at this level that’s what I have learned is the job of your halves.”
Reminded of Thurston’s comments yesterday, Barrett could only respond about the player he has learned to rely on.
“I have noticed a difference in him,” Barrett said.
“This is my second year here but even this year, in the way that he has taken on the (leadership) role that he has got in the side now, he just looks comfortable.
“He seems really happy and he has put in a hell of a lot of hard work.”
Barrett also pointed to the partnership Cherry-Evans has formed in the Manly halves with Blake Green.
“Cherry has worked very, very hard on his game with Blake this year, on and off the field,” Barrett said.
“They are doing a lot of work together and it is paying dividends.
“He is up to it.
“There is no doubt in the world if he is given the opportunity.”
By Paul Crawley
DALY Cherry-Evans has been a Queensland outcast for two years since Johnathan Thurston’s “coded warning”.
Now the Manly skipper is ready to prove he deserves another shot.
That’s the message from Trent Barrett ahead of Cherry-Evans’ face-off with Brisbane’s Anthony Milford this Saturday that could well decide who gets the injured Thurston’s No 6 jumper for Origin I.
“Look, he is not going to come out publicly and say it to you. But I know that he’d have the real desire to get back in the side and prove that he can play at that level,” Barrett told The Daily Telegraph.
With Parramatta’s Corey Norman and Michael Morgan also in the mix, form right now would tell you Cherry-Evans has the jump on his rivals.
But history says otherwise.
Once labelled the man likely to take over from Cam Smith as the next Australian and Queensland captain, Cherry-Evans has been on the representative outer since his last appearance for the Maroons in game two, 2015.
In fact, it was after the loss to NSW in Melbourne that Thurston issued what was labelled a crack at Cherry-Evans after he was dumped from the team to make way for Cooper Cronk’s return.
Without actually naming Cherry-Evans, Thurston spoke glowingly of Cronk’s ability to lift those around him.
Most perceived Thurston’s comments to be a direct shot at Cherry-Evans after Michael Morgan was retained on the Queensland bench ahead of the Manly half who had played six Origins up to that point.
Thurston also pointed out with the amount of great players in the Queensland team one of their strengths was their ability to work together.
“We don’t rely on one bloke to win us the game,” Thurston said.
“We’re at our best when we’re able to get everyone involved in the game _ and I think at this level that’s what I have learned is the job of your halves.”
Reminded of Thurston’s comments yesterday, Barrett could only respond about the player he has learned to rely on.
“I have noticed a difference in him,” Barrett said.
“This is my second year here but even this year, in the way that he has taken on the (leadership) role that he has got in the side now, he just looks comfortable.
“He seems really happy and he has put in a hell of a lot of hard work.”
Barrett also pointed to the partnership Cherry-Evans has formed in the Manly halves with Blake Green.
“Cherry has worked very, very hard on his game with Blake this year, on and off the field,” Barrett said.
“They are doing a lot of work together and it is paying dividends.
“He is up to it.
“There is no doubt in the world if he is given the opportunity.”
