https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...l/news-story/27084735df3b999c8e2a590e1391127e
Walters defended the non-selection of Cherry-Evans, who has been left out in the Origin cold once more despite his career-best form at club level.
With the Maroons plumping for Hunt, who just last month was dropped to reserve grade by Broncos coach Wayne Bennett, suggestions that Cherry-Evans is on the nose within the Queensland set-up won’t be going away anytime soon.
Aware of the perception around the Sea Eagles skipper, Walters dismissed the whispers that Cherry-Evans’ cards are marked, and insisted that the 28-year-old’s “Origin career is very much alive”.
“DCE obviously came up in a lot of the discussion but Ben will be coming off the bench for us and we feel in that role, Ben can do a really good job for us,” Walters said.
“l feel if DCE was playing he’d be in the starting 13 ... we feel Ben can bring more value off the bench.
“I rang (Cherry-Evans) this morning just to make sure that he’s OK and (explain) the reasons why we haven’t selected him. He was understanding but disappointed obviously.
“... He was most disappointed in the media and what has been a pretty personal attack on him.
“Saying that certain members of this team and the Queensland Rugby League don’t accept him.
“It’s probably the most disappointing thing for him and I agree with him.
“.... Hogwash was the word I used about him not fitting into the Maroons setup, (it) couldn’t be further from the truth.
“I want to put that to bed fairly and squarely. When you wear the Maroons jumper you’re part of a great team and a great family.
“He’s worn that jersey very well in the past and if he keeps playing the way he is he’ll wear it again.
“It’s a personal attack on him and it’s ridiculous to thing someone would start that rumours when they’ve got no truth whatsoever.”