Daly Cherry-Evans has warned Mitchell Moses that State of Origin football is “a huge step up” while detailing his own failure to fire in 2014 as an example of the challenge awaiting the new NSW halfback.
Parramatta playmaker Mitchell will play his second Origin match at Suncorp Stadium on June 21 after being selected to replace the injured Nathan Cleary at No.7
“It’s a huge step up. It’s not the same … and that’s what makes Origin so good,” 32-year-old veteran halfback Cherry Evans said of the assignment facing Moses.
“I know for me, how I play at club level doesn’t cut it at Origin level. You need to go to a new level, so you have to be ready for that.”
Cherry-Evans, now with 20 Origins under his belt, was a 25-year-old half in 2014 when he was tasked with squaring the series in game two, as Moses is next Wednesday night.
“I was in that position – and I wasn’t up to it,” Cherry Evans said.
“It was in 2014. I had to come on for Cooper Cronk (in game one) when he broke his forearm.
“We lost that game at Suncorp and then we went to Sydney and we lost 6-4. Early in my career my head was certainly spinning at Origin level and I didn’t play good enough to hold my spot down basically.
“I learnt a lot from those early days. They weren’t great results for Queensland and they stayed with me for a long time.
“They certainly hardened me and I learned a lot out of it, and it’s put me in good stead for now.”
Cherry-Evans rates Moses highly but the Maroons will be doing everything to make sure his head is also spinning when he makes his kicks.
“Yes, kick pressure is a bit part of Origin and that’s one thing that is going to go up a level, is kick pressure for sure,” Cherry-Evans said.
“Parramatta has had a difficult start to the year but Mitch has been playing some good footy.
“He’s got a really good kicking game, plays off-the-cuff footy and is a danger when he runs.”
Moses played his solitary Origin game in 2021 when he replaced Cleary (hamstring) in game three. Queensland won 20-18 but Moses bravely battled through the match with a fractured back.
Years of rivalry at club level have left Moses confident he and NSW five-eighth Jarome Luai can strike up a fruitful combination in Brisbane.
They’ve had great battles in Western Sydney derbies between Parramatta and Penrith.
Moses is comfortable the pair can find good chemistry quick-smart.
“I know a fair bit of him and had a fair look at him. We normally mark up against each other,” Moses said.
“Having to defend him and do video on all his shapes, I’ve watched his game pretty closely.
“He’s such a quality player. He’s probably been one of the best sixes in the game for the last three years. I’m excited to partner him. We’ll see what we can do at training … and see what partnership we can strike up.”
