‘Brandy’ Alexander has a tough Cherry on top
- JON GEDDES
- MANLY DAILY
- JULY 14, 2015 3:14PM
FORMER Kangaroo and premiership winning halfback Greg “Brandy” Alexander has praised the mental toughness of Sea Eagles star Daly Cherry-Evans following his impressive performance in a hostile Gold Coast pressure cooker on Monday night.
The heat was always going to be on Cherry-Evans when the Sea Eagles played at CBUS Stadium in what was his much-anticipated return to the Gold Coast after he back flipped on his decision to join the Titans.
But far from being cooked, Cherry-Evans seemed to thrive in the cauldron, not only by playing a decisive role in the 38-6 win but also in the way he handled interviews with Fox Sports.
“I wasn’t surprised how he handled it,” said Alexander, who was one of the Fox commentators at the game.
Daly Cherry-Evans handling the Gold Coast cauldron on Monday. Picture: David Clark
“He has been the focus of the build-up for a few games this year, either when it was announced he was leaving Manly or whether he was staying at Manly and even through the State of Origin there was pressure on him.
“And every time he’s had the spotlight on him in an upcoming club game he has played brilliantly, so he is a tough character.
“He loves his footy and it doesn’t affect him and he is able to come out and make a statement on the field.”
Alexander said that Cherry-Evans was the big story for the first half of the season but he has still had a very good season for his club.
“Because he didn’t fire in Origin Two that put more pressure on him but his day in Origin will come, it’s a tough side to fit into,” Alexander said.
Cherry-Evans’ effort on Monday again vindicated the Sea Eagles’ successful coup in luring him back to Narrabeen.
“They had to, they couldn’t go into next season losing both their halves,” Alexander said.
“They had to keep one of them and they did a great job securing Daly for the rest of his career.”