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"Best person for the position": Slater explains bombshell Cherry-Evans Origin axing
Sam Kosack • June 9th, 2025 3:19 pm
Queensland has made one of the largest decisions in recent State of Origin history, dropping captain Daly Cherry-Evans for Game II.
Cherry-Evans becomes the first captain to be dropped mid-season since Queensland axed Trevor Gillmeister 30 years ago.
Cowboys’ captain Tom Dearden is the preferred halfback for Billy Slater’s side in Perth, with his sensational club form, and Queensland’s large loss in Game I, the catalysts for Cherry-Evans’ removal.
Titans’ second rower Beau Fermor has also been axed, with Bulldogs' utility Kurt Mann to make his Origin debut on the interchange and Warriors' veteran Kurt Capewell recalled.
Controversial Broncos half Ezra Mam has been added to the 20-man squad, along with Raiders' prop Corey Horsburgh and Storm centre Jack Howarth.
Coach Billy Slater defended Cherry-Evans’ axing at a press conference today.
“We don’t take any decision lightly, whether it’s a player keeping their spot or another player coming in. All Queenslanders are considered,” Slater said.
“We just feel Tom is the right person for the number seven jersey right now.
“First of all, you won’t hear a negative word from me about Daly Cherry-Evans… what he has given this jersey and what he has done for this footy team and this group, that will be with all Queenslanders and with Daly for the rest of his life.
“No one can take that away from him. We just feel that Tom Dearden has earned the opportunity to play in the number seven jersey.
“It’s just a case of the best person for the position. I’m sure people have their opinion. I’m sure you’ll have your opinion on it. It is what it is.
“At the end of the day, when you’re in this position to make decisions, you’ve got to think (of) what the best thing is for the footy team and that is what we thought.”
Queensland have been accused of abandoning their famous ‘pick-and-stick’ mentality, popularised between 2006 and 2013 through their dominant eight-year dynasty.
In Game I, Cherry-Evans became the oldest Origin player in history, having played 26 matches for his state.
He has been captain of his state since 2019, winning three of the last five series, and is the fourth most capped Queensland captain in history.
However, SEN 1170 Afternoons host Jimmy Smith had no issue with Billy Slater’s decision.
“I have 0 problem with what Billy Slater has done there,” Smith stated.
“Should it have been DCE, or could it have been Cameron Munster? I was pushing for Dearden to be in the 13 somewhere and this is probably the only way you could do it.
“Knowing that DCE is as old as he is and had the career’s he had… to win this series, Billy (Slater) had to do something radically different.
“Maybe he hasn’t done enough, but I have no problem with him looking to win the series.”
Dearden has played three games at halfback at the Cowboys in 2025, winning one and losing two.
No confirmation has been made on a new Queensland captain.
