Regardless of whether he wins or loses the State of Origin decider, Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans says he will not announce his retirement as a representative after Wednesday night’s clash with NSW.
With a win, the 35-year-old has the chance to become the only Maroons captain, alongside Wally Lewis, Darren Lockyer and Cameron Smith, to win three series in a row as captain.
This would be the perfect end to his outstanding Origin career, but we will have to leave that decision for another day.
“I promise you there will be no announcement. (When) I set sail, people will not know until the offseason,” Cherry-Evans said.
“I don’t want special treatment for such things.
“I don’t make these decisions during the year. I think best off-season, but when I’m in the thick of it, I just keep enjoying it.”
“I love this job and it’s crazy that I even call it a job. I love everything that comes with it.”
Cherry-Evans, who has 24 Origin games to his name, was asked if the result at Suncorp Stadium would influence his decision.
“Probably not in the way you think. I don’t need a fairy tale to cope,” he said.
“I play for certain reasons. I enjoy and love the game and I love playing for Queensland. And then there’s my family who love watching me play for Queensland. As long as I’m good enough to have a place in this team, it’s going to be very hard to give that up in the future.”
There’s a good reason Cherry-Evans takes nothing for granted when it comes to Origin football. The Manly captain has not forgotten his three-year banishment from the team.
“I got kicked out (in 2015) and didn’t play well enough to keep a spot on that team. I earned my spot back (in 2018) and I literally played every game like it was my last,” he said.
“I’ve been doing this for almost six years now. I know I’m getting old and retirement is starting to become a topic of conversation, but I don’t have any special news for you.”
Cherry-Evans led the Maroons to Origin decider victories at Suncorp Stadium in 2020 and 2022 and is ready to do it again as halfback general. “I’m grateful to play and captain for Queensland. I feel honoured every time I line up,” he said.
“I’m the first person to run out in front of the Suncorp crowd and that gives me a lot of energy. It’s a proud moment for me and my family. Although I have the privilege of being captain, I can’t forget that I’m a player and halfback first and foremost, so I need to make sure I get that right.”