Post by mozgrame on Mar 19, 2014 12:09:49 GMT 10
Robert Craddock Sunday session •
The Courier-Mail •
March 15, 2014 11:00PM
DALY Cherry-Evans is one of rugby league’s brightest stars and a Queensland State of Origin anchorman of the future.
This year he has spread his wings to join Scott Prince and Kevin Walters in an expanded Queensland presence on Fox Sports but his prime focus will be his work for Manly and Queensland, whether it be off the bench or in the starting line-up.
The son of long-serving Brisbane club player Troy Evans, he was born to play rugby league given his pedigree includes the Cherry family which boasts a string a tough, durable players.
Kevin Walters reckons he can tell you grew up in a big backyard because you play like a guy who used to deliberately try and rebounded a ball off the car or a mango tree. True?
“One of the biggest advantages of being a country kid was that big space. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a big backyard in Mackay with two younger brothers at my disposal to also try things on. We would do thing like ricochet balls off the roof. It was play on if the ball came off the roof of the house.’’
Did your mother name you after the great decathlete, Daley Thompson, because she liked the name or because she felt you would be a great athlete?
“I think it more my dad to be honest. I don’t know they had any intention of me being an athlete. I think they just liked the name.’’
When you think back to when you were a boy in your father’s dressing rooms what do you think of?
“The smell of Dencorub — it was rife back then. I will never forget it. I can still smell it. It was the smell of the dressing room in the 1990s but not so much now.’’
Was it true you were a rugby league addict from your youngest years?
“I played my first year in the under sevens as a five year old and stayed there for three years. I loved it from an early age to the point where I actually struggled between seasons because I missed it so much.’’
Your heritage traces back to Max Cherry who played first grade in Roma at 14. Can you believe that?
“I know. It’s amazing. That is my mum’s side of the family. I mean we were talking about me playing under 7s at five but that’s nothing compared to being 14 and playing first grade. I just can’t imagine how tough he would have been in do that in the bush with all those big men trying to boss him around.’’
Who was the toughest Cherry? You would not have wanted to run into Steve, who played so well for Redcliffe, in a dark alley?
“All of those brothers were quite a big intimidating players. I am fortunate enough they are on my side. Steve made a big impression at the Redcliffe. He was a big man and very agile.’’
Is Steve still scary to look at?
“I have not seen him for a few years but I have no doubt he is a very intimidating man.’’
Amazingly, you have not missed a game through injury since you started at Manly. Could that be traced back to backyard-honed skills and toughness as well?
“I guess it might be. The more football you play — any football — the more you learn about it but I think preparation and recovery, which are very big these days, are also a part of it.’’
I heard someone say that Manly do so well as a team because they don’t have modern bonding sessions but old fashioned meals together. Is that true?
“That is probably right. Not everyone comes to certain events but we always get a good showing whether it’s a movie, a meal or a beer. Obviously more attend when we have a beer. We enjoy each other’s company whether it is five or 10 blokes.
Do you mix much socially with Kieran Foran?
“Yes. We see a lot of each other now and so do our partners now that they are new mothers.’’
How much did you father influence your game?
“I was fortunate enough to see my dad at the back end of his career and I often ball boyed for his sides. I was lucky to see the style of rugby league he played. The tough way he played was an inspiration for me. He wore his heart on his sleeve. He left nothing out there. I try and pride myself on leaving no stone unturned.’’
You have signed on with Fox Sports. How will that work?
“I am very fortunate. It is an opportunity for me in the television world. Hopefully I can get used to it and it will lead to opportunities later in my career.’’
Players tend to watch everything or nothing of other games. What do you do?
“I am at the end of the scale where I watch most games every weekend. I cannot take my eyes off the television if there is footy on. But as you said it is so true. You either watch it or the other half doesn’t watch it at all.’’
Who would be an example of a guy who just plays his game and doesn’t worry about watching anything else?
“The best example in our team is Jorge Taufua. Once he is away from the training paddock and the playing field he takes in no football whatsoever. He just likes to escape.’’
So there must be conversations which he can’t get involved in?
“Very much so.’’
Who is the biggest rugby league nuffy at Manly?
“Me and Jamie Buhrer are similar in that regard. We like watching it and talking about it. And Kieren is the same.’’
Matthew Johns reckons rugby league needs to let its players be more adventurous. Do you agree?
“I am probably fortunate in that I am given the right to do that in my club side. Don’t get me wrong we do have structures but with rugby league what you see in front of you is what you have to play to.’’
But do you feel at times the game needs more breathing space?
“I agree. As a guy who is not as big and strong as some of the other guys I would like to see the big boys under a bit more fatigue so I guess cutting the interchanges would allow for that. It would play into my hands a bit more and we would see a lot more exciting rugby league for quicker and more skilful players.’’
Was it true that when you were coming through the ranks a lot of Sydney clubs just passed over you?
“Not really. I never felt as if I had a right to deserve everyone’s attention. I was very pleased to get the offer from Manly. I was at school at the time in Brisbane.’’
Many believe they will retain you when your contract ends next year. Your thoughts?
“I don’t know what the future holds for me. We will just have to wait and see. I am not off contract until 2015 so there is still a long time for me to make that decision.’’
What about all the speculation that you could unseat Cooper Cronk for Queensland and Australia this year?
“I just put it to the side. Those things are not for me to decide, whether and where I play. I just leave that to other people.’’