http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/daly-cherryevanss-rise-is-unlike-anything-ive-seen-and-gives-mal-meninga-another-welcome-headache/story-fniabksc-1226910581059
Daly Cherry-Evans’s rise is unlike anything I’ve seen
Matthew Johns
The Daily Telegraph May 09, 2014 12:00AM
I’ve never seen a player improve like Cherry-Evans. After playing Queensland Cup in 2010, Manly coach Des Hasler gave Cherry-Evans his first taste of NRL in a 2011 trial game against Cronulla.
I was at that trial and Daly played an equal amount of time with two other young halfback hopefuls.
Like any young rookie getting their first chance, he looked nervous and at times a little lost and indecisive. He didn’t stand out by any means.
Hasler none-the-less picked him for their opening round game vs the Melbourne Storm, which they lost 18-6. Daly was again solid but not spectacular.
By October he was spectacular; in fact he was named Rookie of the Year, was close to the best on the ground as Manly beat the Warriors to win the NRL Grand Final and was named in the Kangaroos’ squad for their Four Nations Tournament.
I can’t remember a better rookie year, and since then he’s gotten rapidly better.
His performance against Canberra two weeks back was the best by any player this year, including seven try assists. My brother Andrew works with Daly on a weekly basis and it makes sense because Daly’s game is frighteningly similar.
That robust build, the ability to do the unorthodox, the step, the pass, the thoughtful kick and of course the confidence. It’s more than confidence, it’s a healthy arrogance. You can’t just keep getting better and better without that healthy dose of arrogance. The niceness of Daly conceals the supreme confidence well.
Andrew Johns has worked with many playmakers since he retired but none understands Joey like Daly.
Cherry-Evans can turn theory into practice immediately and understands the subtleties that Andrew teaches.
Cherry-Evans deserved better than the seven minutes he got in last Friday night’s Test. I’ve got no doubt Australian coach Tim Sheens felt the awkwardness of the situation just after half time with the Kangaroos behind and in need of a lift. Cherry-Evans would’ve been the ideal injection, but for who?
You see, if Australia had been comfortably in front, not an eyebrow would be raised if Sheens had brought off Thurston or Cronk. But replace one of these men with Cherry-Evans when the side’s behind and struggling, and the earth shakes.
Daly’s seven minutes had nothing to do with concerns of him doing the job. It was all about the man he would replace and the reaction.
This player deserves more than just a few minutes here and there at hooker or back row.
Thurston and Cronk’s strengths and attacking tendencies have been analysed and observed by opposition defences for a long time now and it’s testimony to their talent and toughness that they can still dominate.
But Cherry-Evans’ improvement and unpredictability is now causing a new level of problems for defences.
For our sake let’s hope Meninga doesn’t find the answer to the Thurston, Cronk and Cherry-Evans puzzle.
