Daly Cherry-Evans has confirmed his commitment to play for Queensland, despite ongoing speculation about his future in rugby league. The discussions surrounding his contract situation intensified during the off-season, with reports suggesting he might reverse his decision to extend his playing career beyond his existing contract. Furthermore, there’s talk about a potential move for Manly star Tom Trbojevic to five-eighth in the 2026 season.
Speaking with AAP, Cherry-Evans clarified that he intends to participate in the State of Origin, stating, “Provided I am playing a level high enough to be picked, I am keen to get back in there and win the series for Queensland.” He expressed no immediate plans for retirement, emphasising his passion for Origin football.
While he is certain about his availability for the Maroons, he remained non-committal regarding his future at Manly after 2025. He noted, “I am pretty clear on what I want to do next year… but there is a lot to it.” Cherry-Evans acknowledged the importance of preparing the club for life after him, but reassured that their relationship is strong, stating, “We’re very aligned, and we understand we’re going to work together in the next month.”