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Ex-Kangaroos skipper fires back at criticism of Daly Cherry-Evans

ONE of the Kangaroos most successful captains has fired back at Brad Fittler’s criticism of Daly Cherry-Evans in the shock Test loss to Tonga saying the players around the Manly skipper let him down.

Sea Eagles skipper Daly Cherry-Evans in action for the Kangaroos against Tonga.. Picture: David Rowland/AAP.
Sea Eagles skipper Daly Cherry-Evans in action for the Kangaroos against Tonga.. Picture: David Rowland/AAP.

ONE of the Kangaroos most successful captains has fired back at critics of Sea Eagles skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, saying he has been unfairly singled out in the aftermath of the Kangaroos’ shock 16-12 Test loss to Tonga.

NSW Origin coach Brad Fittler was critical of Cherry-Evans’s performance last weekend saying he wasn’t doing anything in attack and giving no direction.

But Max Krilich, captain of the 1982 Australian “Invincibles”, said the Manly halfback was let down by the players around him.

“It is very unfair, you are only as good as your forwards,” Krilich said.

Daly Cherry-Evans and Australian teammates prior to Australia’s Test against Tonga. Picture; Fiona Goodall/Getty Images.
Daly Cherry-Evans and Australian teammates prior to Australia’s Test against Tonga. Picture; Fiona Goodall/Getty Images.

“He didn’t have the best of games but that isn’t his fault, you’ve got to look at a wider angle than that.”

Krilich said Tonga played above what they have ever done before proudly wearing their nations jersey.

“It’s always an easy cop out coming from people who want to bag a halfback or a five-eighth in relation to them not doing the right thing,” he said

“What wins you games is defence originally and then your frontrow.

“In 1908 that’s who won the games and it’s still the same 111 years later.”

And he said Tongan props Addin Fonua-Blake and Rooster Sio Siua Taukeiaho outplayed our frontrowers, pure and simple.

“Cherry is not going to play well if he’s got two frontrowers who are paperweights and not going forward,” Krilich said.

Sea Eagles Curtis Sironen will be interviewed with his dad Paul. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images.
Sea Eagles Curtis Sironen will be interviewed with his dad Paul. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images.

BREKKIE WITH THE STARS

WHAT is it like for an NRL player to be following in the steps of a famous footballing father?

Fans can find out when Sea Eagles forward Curtis Sironen and his ex-Kangaroo dad Paul are interviewed at a special Men of League Legends breakfast at Manly Leagues Club next Sunday, November 17.

Curtis has well and truly emerged from the shadow of Paul to become an integral member of the Manly pack.

A host of former Manly stars will attend the breakfast, including the MC John Gibbs, the legendary Freddie Jones, Terry Randall, Russel Gartner and Alan Thompson

Footy funny man John Peard will entertain the guests with his special brand of humour

Spots are still available and bookings can be made by calling Trevor Bailey on 0414 843600 or Ken Vessey on 0447 945188.

Olympic kayaker Murray Stewart will come out swinging at Warringah Golf Course. Picture: Troy Snook
Olympic kayaker Murray Stewart will come out swinging at Warringah Golf Course. Picture: Troy Snook

BIG SHOTS AT GOLF

IRONMAN champion Kendick Louis and Olympic gold medal kayaker Murray Stewart will be out of the water and onto the greens when they take part in the Manly Life Saving Club’s annual golf day on Friday, November 29 at Warringah Golf Course.

It is a fundraiser for the club to buy much needed rescue equipment.

The club is looking for sponsors and more players to support the great cause. For more information contact the club on 9977 2742.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/manly-daily/sport/exkangaroos-skipper-fires-back-at-criticism-of-daly-cherryevans/news-story/2f6571c9f585d334b5398311db74d4ea