Trent Barrett has lashed out at Maroons legend Billy Moore over Daly Cherry-Evans call

FORMER Blues playmaker Trent Barrett has lashed out at Maroons legend Billy Moore, questioning his loyalty to Queensland.

Trent Barrett has defended the performances of Daly Cherry-Evans this year.

FORMER Blues playmaker Trent Barrett has lashed out at Maroons legend Billy Moore, questioning his loyalty to Queensland.

Moore, one of Queensland’s most passionate Origin players, told The Courier-Mail last week that Cherry-Evans deserved to be booed at Suncorp Stadium.

Sea Eagles coach Barrett, a key part of Laurie Daley’s Blues coaching team until taking the reins at Manly, has been forced to repeatedly defend the performances of Cherry-Evans this year after his backflip on the Gold Coast Titans last year.

Trent Barrett has defended the performances of Daly Cherry-Evans this year.

Moore’s comments were the tipping point and Barrett did not hold back after Manly’s loss to Brisbane on Saturday night.

He said Moore’s criticism of the out-of-favour Maroons utility was not the trait of a real Queenslander.

“That was surprising, coming from a Queenslander. They always say they stick together,” Barrett said.

“Billy is from Tenterfield anyway. He might be confused.

“I thought Cherry was good for us in the first half. That was probably the best 40 minutes with the footy that he’s had.”

Moore was indeed born in Tenterfield, NSW but only because it was the nearest hospital to Wallangarra, a Queensland town in the granite belt where his family lived.

Moore played 17 Origin games for the Maroons in a decorated career.

Billy Moore enjoyed a decorated Queensland State of Origin career.

Cherry-Evans may have been solid on Saturday night but he was outplayed by Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford.

The Sea Eagles camp were filthy with Moore’s comments last week but thought it could have worked in their favour by firing up Cherry-Evans.

“Queenslanders have long memories,” Moore said.

Daly Cherry-Evans was outplayed by Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford. Picture: Adam Head

“I honestly believe there will always be a stain against Daly Cherry-Evans.

“Even if he captains the Sea Eagles to a title, people will say, ‘That’s right, you were the bloke who dudded the Titans’.”

Cherry-Evans injured his ankle during Saturday night's game but Barrett said his key playmaker, who is behind a beaten pack most weeks and with a backline constantly changing, was likely to be fit for this week’s clash with Cronulla.