Daly Cherry-Evans concedes he tried to play like Cooper Cronk on first coming as a Maroons
HAVING spent three years in State of Origin exile, Daly Cherry-Evans is determined to make the most of his second chance with the Maroons - by playing his own game.
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DALY Cherry-Evans says his previous lack of success at State of Origin was because he tried to be Cooper Cronk instead of himself.
The Queensland halfback spoke on Tuesday about his long-awaited recall to the Maroons team, following persistent rumours that he was on the outer with team officials and senior players.
He has been rewarded the spot due to his form and experience and the playmaker knows this is his chance to stamp his authority as the possible long-term No.7 for Queensland.
It is a moment the 29-year-old has always hoped would come.
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Cherry-Evans racked up six Origin games between 2013 and 2015 before dropping out of the 17.
In those games he did play, he featured just twice at halfback, filling in for Cronk on both occasions.
He partnered Johnathan Thurston in the halves, but said he felt too much pressure from within himself to play like Cronk.
His three-year exile has taught him that the only player he can be is himself, and that is what he will bring in his return to Suncorp Stadium.
“I have to be myself and play to my strengths,” he said.
“I certainly got lost in trying to be someone else last time I was playing, and that was down to how much respect I had for the people that were playing and the people’s spots I was filling in for.
“Every time I played (at halfback) … I just felt as though, in my own head, I felt I was just filling a spot.
“But that’s all in the past … I’m going to be a lot more confident and that’s why I am really happy with the opportunity I’ve got.
“This time around, no one has a stranglehold on the seven jersey for Queensland so I’m really excited.
“Anyone playing halfback in the Origin arena is always going to have a nice dark cloud over their head, that just comes with the territory. But I’m a lot more ready than what I was a couple of years ago.”
The Sea Eagles skipper admits he struggled to hear the rumours about him being on the outer with the Maroons over the past three years.
“It’s never nice hearing stuff about yourself ... but I just had to make sure I was staying true to me,” he said.
“It’s a hard one to explain. I always trust my judgement as a person and make sure I am doing the best thing for me and my family. It’s a tough one, it really is a tough one.
“There’s no quotes or comments about it, it’s just rumours. No one’s actually come up and told me.”
Given what he has endured over the last three years, Cherry-Evans said the call he received from coach Kevin Walters on Sunday was a “special moment”.
Walters’ message on Monday that Queensland want to be loyal to a “winning team” was also heard loud and clear by Cherry-Evans.
With Ben Hunt moved to the bench for Game Three, Cherry-Evans knows there is an opportunity to become Queensland’s long-term halfback and said the statement from Walters is one everyone would take notice of.
“Everyone in the side needs to take that on board,” he said.
“Queensland’s always been about rewarding success, rewarding people that give everything they’ve got for the Maroons jersey.
“I will certainly be going out there to try and make sure I’m doing more than just myself but the state, the coaching staff, my teammates proud.”
Originally published as Daly Cherry-Evans concedes he tried to play like Cooper Cronk on first coming as a Maroons