Daly Cherry-Evans has made a definitive “promise” that he won’t retire after the State of Origin decider and will instead make a call during the off-season.
The 35-year-old Maroons halfback will again lead the side on Wednesday night, with the side searching for a third-straight series victory against NSW.
Cherry-Evans starred in the opener for Queensland and while he certainly wasn’t alone, his performance in game two was well below his best.
READ MORE: Questions over ‘awful’ Novak after ‘brutal domination’
READ MORE: Cam Smith drops ‘mathematical’ truth bomb on Broncos
READ MORE: Ex-Origin star suing for $1m over career-ending tackle
There have been rumblings within rugby league circles that Cherry-Evans could retire from rep football after this year’s series, with Roosters star Sam Walker seemingly next in line to take over the coveted No.7 jumper.
Sam Walker has been touted as a future Origin halfback. NRL Images
However, in his final media address before the clash at Suncorp Stadium, the skipper denied any decision would be made at full-time, regardless of the result.
“I’ve said this and I can’t be any clearer – I don’t make these decisions during the year,” Cherry-Evans said on Monday.
“I do my best thinking in the off-season, but while I’m in the thick of it, I’m just gonna keep enjoying it. I love this job and it’s crazy that I even call it a job.
“I promise you, there won’t be an announcement. People won’t know until the off-season, I’ll put it that way – I don’t want any special treatment.”
Watch the 2024 State of Origin series exclusively live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Cherry-Evans has been a mainstay of the Queensland side since 2018 and has been Billy Slater’s right-hand man since the legendary fullback stepped into the coaching role.
And while the potential of lifting the shield in front of 50,000 screaming Queenslanders would seemingly be the perfect way to bow out, Cherry-Evans doesn’t see it that way.
Daly Cherry-Evans fronts the media ahead of game three. Nine
“I don’t need a fairytale to finish, I’m playing for reasons and obviously I enjoy the game and love the game,” he said.
“I’ve been doing it for pretty much six years now. I got dropped [in 2014] and wasn’t playing well enough to keep a spot in this side, but I earned my spot back and I have literally played every game like it’s my last.
“I know I’m getting old so retirement becomes a bit of a talking point, but I honestly don’t have any special news for you and I’m just gonna keep enjoying it.”
Cherry-Evans will partner Tom Dearden for the third-straight game and the pair will be out to emulate the dramatic result from the 2022 decider when they first teamed at the Origin level in the Cowboys star’s debut for his state.