Daly Cherry-Evans tells Queensland selectors to keep faith in Maroons despite Perth disaster

Despite the debacle in Perth, despite the Maroons’ awful record in Sydney, Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans believes his team deserves a shot at regaining the Origin shield and their dignity.

Cherry-Evans is hoping for some Queensland loyalty. Image: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

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Maroons halfback Daly Cherry-Evans has appealed for selectors not to swing the axe and concedes the Origin decider will be the ultimate test of his leadership as Queensland captain.

Queensland coach Kevin Walters has warned heads could roll in the wake of the disastrous 38-6 pummelling in Perth that leaves the Maroons with the daunting task of reclaiming the Origin shield on NSW soil on July 10.

The Maroons have a poor record at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium.

They have won just nine of 27 matches at the venue, including the worst loss in their history — a 56-16 debacle in the 2000 series labelled Queensland’s darkest day in Origin history.

Cherry-Evans is hoping for some Queensland loyalty. Image: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

The Perth whipping was a close second and now a shake-up is looming, with Maroons duo Jarrod Wallace and Tim Glasby in danger of being dropped after Queensland were mauled in midfield at Optus Stadium.

Starting prop Dylan Napa made just 28 metres from four runs and clearly felt the effects of his broken wrist.

Maroons rookie Joe Ofahengaue is expected to recover in time from the bad knee cut he suffered in Game One, while Walters may look to the size and hard-running of Christian Welch, who was 18th man in Origin II.

Despite being Queensland’s captain, Cherry-Evans does not have official input on the composition of the team, but he hopes Maroons hierarchy gives the beaten squad a shot at redemption in Sydney.

Jarrod Wallace could be in the firing line. Image: Adam Head

“Everyone who played (in Origin II) would love one more chance,” he said.

“I’m glad I’m not a selector and even as the skipper of this side, I won’t be a selector for the next game

“But if Kev (Walters) ever wanted any advice I would give it to him as the skipper.

“I have faith the coach and selections will pick a side for Game Three that can win the series and 100 per cent we can fight back.

“Regardless of who they pick, there will be a lot of people in our camp who will have a burning desire to get that revenge game (in Origin III).

“It will be interesting to see if they stick with the same 17, but I can tell you we will all be hungry.”

Queensland must pick themselves up for game three. Image: Adam Head

Cherry-Evans believes Broncos bookend Ofahengaue will be applying pressure after his strong performance off the bench in the series opener.

“It’s going to be a big decision for selectors,” he said. “If ‘Joffa’ makes himself available, it will be an interesting headache for the selectors.

“He did have a big game in Game One and his form for the Broncos has been great.”

Cherry-Evans lamented his own performance as he struggled to get Queensland back into the game and says the Origin decider will be a huge challenge in his first series as skipper.

“I just thought I could have been a lot better,” he said.

“I just didn’t get the football in the parts of the field that play to my strengths and that’s no one else’s fault except myself.

“I’m a tough marker on myself. I have to lead my teammates now and make sure we don’t get too hung up on this. I will address where myself and the team can improve.”