Daly Cherry-Evans shuts down Origin conspiracy, rumours of Maroons rift

Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans has shut down a State of Origin conspiracy theory after a photo raised eyebrows ahead of Game 1.

Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans has hosed down concerns of bias after he was spotted deep in conversation with the referee who will officiate Wednesday’s State of Origin series opener.

Cherry-Evans and Game 1 referee Ashley Klein were spotted having an extended conversation inside an empty 4 Pines Park a couple of weeks ago, sharing a laugh following a Manly training session.

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The SMH photographed the pair having a good spirited chat, prompting concerns from NSW’s camp over whether Cherry-Evans was trying to get the NRL’s leading referee on side ahead of State of Origin.

The pair reportedly spent around 20 minutes locked in conversation and when asked about what was said, Klein revealed they were simply talking happy families and speaking about their children.

Daly Cherry-Evans has shut down speculation he was trying to get in Ashley Klein’s good books.

“The mind shudders to think what the hell those two were talking about,” Tigers and Blues great Benny Elias told the SMH.

“Although it is that time of year again when Queensland start buttering up the referees.”

Former Maroons skipper Cameron Smith was renowned for being footy’s ultimate diplomat by speaking to referees constantly during games, but Cherry-Evans firmly denied he was trying to influence Klein.

“Read into it what you will, but there’s nothing there for me,” Cherry-Evans said.

“That’s a weekly occurrence for us. If you come down to Manly training on any given week you will snap me with the referees at training.

“I’m not going to be able to remember the conversation exactly because I don’t remember it being anything more than a conversation.

Referee Ashley Klein talks to Daly Cherry-Evans and Isaah Yeo during State of Origin Game 2 last year. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“We have referees come out to our training sessions weekly at Manly. They are humans. They are people. They have families and more often than not we’re just talking about our kids and how they are misbehaving.

“We are all human and like to talk about our problems, it’s as simple as that really.

“I’d like to think I have a good relationship with all referees.

“I’m respectful, empathetic for the way they have to sometimes play to the rules.

“I have a lot of respect and love for the referees.

“I haven’t had too many situations where I’ve crossed the line there.”

Ashley Klein and DCE during a Manly game in 2017. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

DCE denies talk of Cobbo rift

Cherry-Evans also moved to shut down speculation Broncos star Selwyn Cobbo was left out of the Maroons squad because other Queensland players don’t like him.

Cobbo was cleared of a fracture in his wrist but was overlooked by Billy Slater, who picked Roosters rookie Robert Toia in the centres.

“Have you guys made that a thing? That we don’t like Selwyn,” Cherry-Evans asked reporters.

“I really enjoy playing with Selwyn.

“He’s a fantastic footy player, he’s an even better person. I just think it’s so ridiculous we have to justify our relationship with people, especially someone as good natured as Selwyn Cobbo.

“How and who picks the team, it’s got nothing to do with the players, that’s a selector and a coach thing, and we always back them to make the right decision.”

State of Origin Game 1 kicks off on Wednesday at 8.05pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium.

Originally published as Daly Cherry-Evans shuts down Origin conspiracy, rumours of Maroons rift