'It's Tom's time' - Maroons move on from Cherry-Evans

Billy Slater has declared it's Tom Dearden's time to own Queensland's No.7 jersey, after the new Maroons' halfback vindicated the call to move on from Daly Cherry-Evans.
Slater's selection bombshell to axe Cherry-Evans from the Maroons' side after the 18-6 game-one loss at Suncorp Stadium was always going to be one the coach was judged on.
The decision to move on from Cherry-Evans marked the first time Queensland had dropped a first-choice halfback for a live rubber since 2001, and the first time a captain was dropped mid-series this century.
But the gamble paid dividends at a wet and slippery Optus Stadium on Wednesday night, with Dearden providing a steady hand in his first go in the No.7 jersey.
The North Queensland halfback played crucial roles in three of the Maroons' four first-half tries, before they held on as their 26-6 lead shrunk into a 26-24 victory.
Cherry-Evans has captained the most games of any Queenslander this century, but Slater said the time was right for a changing of the guard.
"You won't get a negative word out of me for Daly Cherry-Evans," Slater said.
"He's a wonderful player, and has been a wonderful player for a long period of time.
"It's Tom's time now. And he didn't surprise any of us, I don't think, in what he put out there tonight.
"I'm really proud of him. That's the first time he's worn the number seven jersey for Queensland. I wouldn't imagine it'd be the last."
Dearden dug into the line for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow's first try, before he kicked across field for the winger's second moments later.
But the new No.7's best play came later in the first half, when he went to the left, created numbers and gave Kurt Mann the chance to offload for a Kurt Capewell try.
There were issues in defence down his right edge in the second half as NSW fought back, but he was never bullied by the Blues and neither did they run over the top of him.
Slater's other big selection gamble in recalling Capewell also proved a winner, with the Warriors second-rower providing Queensland with vital grit to go with his try.
Capewell is the unenviable leader for missed tackles this NRL season - 75 from 13 games - but that didn't faze Slater at all.
"There was a bit of talk about the number of missed tackles on his stat sheet. I actually didn't know that until I read it in the paper," Slater said.
"It probably goes to show that I don't look at numbers.
"When I look at habits in players, I look at their actions and how they contribute to their footy team and he has done an amazing job.
"There's a reason why the Warriors are doing well, because they've got players like Kurt Capewell in their team.
"That's what successful footy teams look like - they've got hard working players that are willing to put everything into the footy team.
"His selection might have surprised a few, but it wasn't that out of the blue for me."
Billy Slater has declared it's Tom Dearden's time to own Queensland's No.7 jersey, after the new Maroons' halfback vindicated the call to move on from Daly Cherry-Evans.
Slater's selection bombshell to axe Cherry-Evans from the Maroons' side after the 18-6 game-one loss at Suncorp Stadium was always going to be one the coach was judged on.
The decision to move on from Cherry-Evans marked the first time Queensland had dropped a first-choice halfback for a live rubber since 2001, and the first time a captain was dropped mid-series this century.
But the gamble paid dividends at a wet and slippery Optus Stadium on Wednesday night, with Dearden providing a steady hand in his first go in the No.7 jersey.
The North Queensland halfback played crucial roles in three of the Maroons' four first-half tries, before they held on as their 26-6 lead shrunk into a 26-24 victory.
Cherry-Evans has captained the most games of any Queenslander this century, but Slater said the time was right for a changing of the guard.
"You won't get a negative word out of me for Daly Cherry-Evans," Slater said.
"He's a wonderful player, and has been a wonderful player for a long period of time.
"It's Tom's time now. And he didn't surprise any of us, I don't think, in what he put out there tonight.
"I'm really proud of him. That's the first time he's worn the number seven jersey for Queensland. I wouldn't imagine it'd be the last."
Dearden dug into the line for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow's first try, before he kicked across field for the winger's second moments later.
But the new No.7's best play came later in the first half, when he went to the left, created numbers and gave Kurt Mann the chance to offload for a Kurt Capewell try.
There were issues in defence down his right edge in the second half as NSW fought back, but he was never bullied by the Blues and neither did they run over the top of him.
Slater's other big selection gamble in recalling Capewell also proved a winner, with the Warriors second-rower providing Queensland with vital grit to go with his try.
Capewell is the unenviable leader for missed tackles this NRL season - 75 from 13 games - but that didn't faze Slater at all.
"There was a bit of talk about the number of missed tackles on his stat sheet. I actually didn't know that until I read it in the paper," Slater said.
"It probably goes to show that I don't look at numbers.
"When I look at habits in players, I look at their actions and how they contribute to their footy team and he has done an amazing job.
"There's a reason why the Warriors are doing well, because they've got players like Kurt Capewell in their team.
"That's what successful footy teams look like - they've got hard working players that are willing to put everything into the footy team.
"His selection might have surprised a few, but it wasn't that out of the blue for me."
Billy Slater has declared it's Tom Dearden's time to own Queensland's No.7 jersey, after the new Maroons' halfback vindicated the call to move on from Daly Cherry-Evans.
Slater's selection bombshell to axe Cherry-Evans from the Maroons' side after the 18-6 game-one loss at Suncorp Stadium was always going to be one the coach was judged on.
The decision to move on from Cherry-Evans marked the first time Queensland had dropped a first-choice halfback for a live rubber since 2001, and the first time a captain was dropped mid-series this century.
But the gamble paid dividends at a wet and slippery Optus Stadium on Wednesday night, with Dearden providing a steady hand in his first go in the No.7 jersey.
The North Queensland halfback played crucial roles in three of the Maroons' four first-half tries, before they held on as their 26-6 lead shrunk into a 26-24 victory.
Cherry-Evans has captained the most games of any Queenslander this century, but Slater said the time was right for a changing of the guard.
"You won't get a negative word out of me for Daly Cherry-Evans," Slater said.
"He's a wonderful player, and has been a wonderful player for a long period of time.
"It's Tom's time now. And he didn't surprise any of us, I don't think, in what he put out there tonight.
"I'm really proud of him. That's the first time he's worn the number seven jersey for Queensland. I wouldn't imagine it'd be the last."
Dearden dug into the line for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow's first try, before he kicked across field for the winger's second moments later.
But the new No.7's best play came later in the first half, when he went to the left, created numbers and gave Kurt Mann the chance to offload for a Kurt Capewell try.
There were issues in defence down his right edge in the second half as NSW fought back, but he was never bullied by the Blues and neither did they run over the top of him.
Slater's other big selection gamble in recalling Capewell also proved a winner, with the Warriors second-rower providing Queensland with vital grit to go with his try.
Capewell is the unenviable leader for missed tackles this NRL season - 75 from 13 games - but that didn't faze Slater at all.
"There was a bit of talk about the number of missed tackles on his stat sheet. I actually didn't know that until I read it in the paper," Slater said.
"It probably goes to show that I don't look at numbers.
"When I look at habits in players, I look at their actions and how they contribute to their footy team and he has done an amazing job.
"There's a reason why the Warriors are doing well, because they've got players like Kurt Capewell in their team.
"That's what successful footy teams look like - they've got hard working players that are willing to put everything into the footy team.
"His selection might have surprised a few, but it wasn't that out of the blue for me."

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

ABC News

an hour ago

• ABC News

NRL live updates: Warriors vs Panthers, Dolphins vs Knights, Rabbitohs vs Storm — blog, scores and stats

The Penrith Panthers are in Auckland at the Warriors' fortress without any of their State of Origin stars, kicking off a big day of rugby league. Later, the Dolphins and Newcastle Knights play in Perth, followed by South Sydney and Melbourne at Stadium Australia. Follow the live blog below, and tune in to our live radio coverage.

Daily Telegraph

2 hours ago

• Daily Telegraph

Murwillumbah preview, tips: Ethan Ensby's Rainbow Lass chases hat-trick

Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. In-form mare Rainbow Lass isn't just chasing a hat-trick of wins, she is on trial for a possible feature race target at next month's Grafton carnival. Following two solid wins over 1000m and 1200m on her home track at Casino, trainer Ethan Ensby feels to time is right to test Rainbow Lass over a longer distance in the Benchmark 58 Handicap (1550m). 'She is going enormous at the moment,' said Ensby. 'She is obviously stepping up to the 1500m for the first time and being by Pariah, she probably isn't bred to get that far but at home, my partner rides her work and she is showing us she is that 1400m to a mile type. 'She sat three-wide working up the hill at Casino over the 1200 metres last start which is like running 1300 or 1400 metres. The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'She does like a wet track so the Soft 7 will suit her. My only concerns are the weight, she carriers 58.5kg after Izzy's (Neale) claim, and the gate if she happens to blow the start like she has been known to do. 'If she gets out and into a good position, she should be very competitive. 'If she happens to win this race, I might aim her at the Grafton Guineas.' Ensby is looking forward to seeing Mahuika Maroi make her race debut in the Country Boosted Maiden Handicap (1200m). The three-year-old has been safely beaten in both her barrier trials but Ensby said things didn't go as he'd hoped on either occasion. 'When she trialled at the Gold Coast, it was supposed to be on the B Grass but they switched to polytrack which I wasn't very happy about. 'I didn't want to trial on the poly but with the weather the way it was, she had to go around and use it as a bit of a gallop and hope for the best. 'She wasn't put under any pressure that day. 'We then went to Grafton for her next trial and she slipped coming out of the gates on the wet track and tweaked a muscle hence while it's been a while until her first start. 'She finds a really nice race start off in and although the 1200 metres will be short of her best, I think she will run a nice race with the expectation she will be better for it.' Trainer Ethan Ensby expects Shez Mysterious to bounce back. Picture: supplied Ensby has Shez Mysterious and Gold Puma in the Maiden Handicap (1550m) but is leaning towards splitting the pair and saving the later for either Port Macquarie or Lismore during the week. Shez Mysterious failed on her home track on May 30 but Ensby feels it is worth forgetting that run and judge her on her first two starts. The daughter of So You Think debuted with a fourth to Rainbow Lass on a Heavy 10 at Casino before coming from a conspicuous last when beaten just over a length in fourth place at Inverell on May 23. 'I think the heavy track and the quick back-up went against her last start. She just didn't handle it,' he said. 'I think it would pay to forgive her for that. 'I've given her a bit of time since then and the beauty of training at the farm is it allows me to put her out during the day. 'He first-up run at Casino was encouraging then second-up, she stood like a deer in the headlights in the barrier at Inverell and came out a clear last. 'She really closed of strongly though. 'I give her a really good chance with Ben Looker on board from barrier 1.' ADAM SHERRY'S TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 6 No. 1: SAXINOUE Unbeaten second-up and steps up to a suitable trip. NEXT BEST Race 8 No. 11: LUCKY NEKO Led all-the-way last start and can go back-to-back. VALUE BET Race 4 No. 7: FEATHERTOP Handy effort after a wide run last start. Looking for the extra trip. QUADDIE Race 5: 2, 5 Race 6: 1, 5 Race 7: 1, 3, 5 Race 8: 2, 11 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW Hard to go past JETT NEWMAN in the TAB Jockey Challenge with her strong book of rides. INSIDE MAIL – MURWILLUMBAH RACE 1: MURWILLUMBAH CUP AUGUST 22 COUNTRY BOOSTED MAIDEN HANDICAP 1200m HERALD ANGEL (2) settled midfield and worked home nicely between horses to finish a neck second behind the tough Diva's Reign on debut at Grafton. Will take benefit from the experience. GAVIN (3) finished a couple of close placings along with two fourths last campaign. MAHUIKA MAROI (4) is a first starter by Redwood. Wasn't pushed when third to Olivershare on an unsuitable synthetic track in her Gold Coast trial. Bred to get over further. Bet: Herald Angel to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: RACING MATES COUNTRY BOOSTED BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1010m NO RAGRETS (5) broke through with a big win from Barron at Ballina last start. Led and kicked away to win by nearly four lengths. Will take plenty of confidence out of that. ODETTE'S ORCHID (6) likes to lead or be right up on speed. Forced to settled near midfield when last on a Heavy 10 at Ballina first-up. Will be fitter for the run, appreciate a firmer track and can bounce back. HUMPHREE BEAR (2) missed the kick and was well back throughout first-up. Chance on Grafton win from Rainbow Lass. Bet: No Ragrets to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: TOPLINE THOROUGHBREDS MAIDEN PLATE 1010m SIGLO DE ORO (1) raced outside the leader and boxed on well for a two length fourth behind Make A Call when resuming over 1110m at Doomben. Back to 1010m and was beaten a nose at his only run at this trip. DARE TO LOVE (5) finished a half-length in front of Siglo De Oro when third in that Doomben race. Buffeted at start and worked early when seventh at Doomben last start. Will find this easier. MISS LINNY (7) will be better over further but can run well first-up. Bet: Siglo De Oro to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: TOOHEYS GRAFTON CUP PREVIEW BM 82 HANDICAP 2020m FEATHERTOP (7) ran handy races in his first two runs back at Doomben. Raced three-wide midfield when a two length seventh to Fiorsum Fred in a 1600m Highway at Scone on May 17. Up to 2000m now. Stablemate FULL OF SINCERITY (1) resumed with a good win at Ballina before a long neck third at Ipswich. Just behind the placegetters over 2200m in two runs since. Gets a 2kg claim. SHERRIFF CODY (6) jumps up to 2020m and has placed in four from six at the trip. Bet: Feathertop each-way ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: XXXX GINGER MAIDEN HANDICAP 1550m SILENT CALL (2) had his chance when a neck second at Benalla over 1600m in February. Resumed for a new stable with a closing fifth at Doomben over 1200m. Step up in trip suits. ALMALIKAT SARAH (5) has improved with each run. Came from well back when fifth at Grafton on debut. Led when second at Beaudesert six week later then just caught by Rick For Reward at Ballina last start. CASTERLY ROCK (3) was held up on the home turn when third to Jillaroo at Doomben last start. Bet: Silent Call to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: BRIMS CONCRETE & LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1550m SAXINOUE (1) settled well back before closing off nicely despite finishing seventh when resuming over 1200m at Grafton. Jumps up to 1550m. He is unbeaten second-up including a win here on his home track. ALL ABOUT ARTIE (5) has had a long campaign which started with a win at Ipswich in January and he continues to race well. Was a three-quarter length third at Warwick two starts back before a half-length second to Monastery at Ballina. BETTER YET (4) drop sin grade from his win and fourth at Ipswich at his past two starts. Bet: Saxinoue to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: RIVERVIEW HOTEL BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1550m INSINUATE (3) recorded her maiden win over this track and distance in February. After a couple of unplaced Eagle Farm runs, dropped back to country grade with a big win at Casino followed by a third last start both over 1400m. RAINBOW LASS (5) was just pipped at Ballina before winning her next two starts nicely at Casino over 1000m and 1200m. Up to 1550m for the first time which is a query but her dam won up to 1600m so worth a try. CAPITAL BOSS (1) has claims on his Gold Coast two starts back. Bet: Insinuate to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 8: MURWILLUMBAH SERVICES CLUB BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1200m LUCKY NEKO (11) was caught three-wide without cover when fifth to Ultimate Say at Grafton first-up. Jumped straight to the front and scored by over a length from Rock The Machine over 1400m at Casino last start. Drops back to 1200m but drawn well and gets a 2kg claim again. FLAME TREE STAR (3) resumes here and has placed in both first-up runs. Was beaten a short half head by Neil over 1100m fresh up last time in. SUPERZOOM (6) had a tough run at Warwick last start and has been freshened. Is a winner this track and distance. Bet: Lucky Neko to win

ABC News

4 hours ago

• ABC News

Nicola Olyslagers wins more high jump gold at Paris Diamond League, Eleanor Patterson third

Moments after leaving her rivals in her wake in the Diamond League yet again, Nicola Olyslagers set the bar even higher. Australia's high-jumping royalty leapt to gold under the Parisian sky, rising over 2.00m to claim back-to-back gold medals on the world's premier athletics circuit. It was her second jump that made the difference, relegating Ukrainian world record holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh to second and compatriot Eleanor Patterson to bronze in a familiar trio on the podium. But despite her seventh success overall after her most recent win in Stockholm, Olyslagers is not entirely happy. "Tonight was great, it was the first time we jumped so late [at night], so for mindset it can be difficult," she said. "I'm very thankful for another 2m jump, but I really want a personal best, so we keep training." The NSW jumper has her sights set on equalling or bettering her own national record of 2.03m, one of the goals motivating her for future meets. Do you have a story idea about women in sport? Email us abcsport5050@ The dual Olympic silver medallist believes one way of improving is by getting stronger and boosting her endurance. Opening her competition at 1.91m, the double world indoor champion said entering any later may not be worth the risk. "I tend to have very strong jumps in the first five jumps of the competition and then it slowly goes down," she said. "1.91 is very high. We need to work to find the best possibility, or some more training, so I have the endurance to give my best at the end." Compatriot Patterson's third-place finish (1.97m) was her third Diamond League podium of 2025 and the Victorian is closing in on the 2m barrier. In the women's 1,500m, Linden Hall finished fourth in 3:57:63 to prevail in the domestic battle including Victorians Georgia Griffith (4:01:36) and Abbey Caldwell (4:01:86) as Kenya's Nelly Chepchirchir won the race in 3:57.02. Next stop in the Diamond League, which offers significant world ranking points, is in Eugene, Oregon, on July 5. AAP/Reuters