Sea Eagles team mates back skipper Daly Cherry-Evans for Origin call-up

SEA Eagles players have united in strong support for their captain Daly Cherry-Evans to be picked by Queensland for the deciding State of Origin game.

Manly's Daly Cherry-Evans has the backing of his team mates to play for Queensland. Picture Kym Smith

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SEA Eagles players have united in strong support for their in-form captain Daly Cherry-Evans to be picked by Queensland for the deciding State of Origin showdown amid continuing speculation he may be shunned by selectors.

“He has been outstanding for us and we love having him in our team,” said prop Darcy Lussick.

“He has really taken control of the team and he is leading us well every week.

‘I know deep down he really wants to get back in the Origin arena and now is probably a good opportunity for him with JT out.

“We are all hoping that he makes it.”

Sea Eagles forward Darcy Lussick..

Lussick saw the change in Cherry-Evans on his return to Manly following three seasons at three seasons at Parramatta.

“Before I left he was one of the young kids here, we had a lot of dominant senior players and now he is that dominant senior player,” he said.

Star centre Dylan Walker was stunned that Cherry-Evans appeared to be on the outer and said it may be personal.

“But you can’t take things personally when a player is playing good footy and I think you have to reward them when they are playing good footy,” he said.

“He is our captain and he is our leader and seeing him running around the park and just really taking control of the whole game and the whole team is a massive wrap for him.”

And prop Addin Fonua-Blake said Cherry-Evans was really important to the success of the side this year

“He is a real leader and if any of the boys need someone to talk to he is the first one to put his hand up,” he said.

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