Cherry-Evans makes case

DALY Cherry-Evans reckons he’s playing better now than when he last played for Queensland, and it showed as he steered Manly into the NRL top four with a 35-18 flogging of Cronulla.

Seemingly forgotten in the discussion to replace Johnathan Thurston for next month’s State of Origin decider, Cherry-Evans sent a reminder to selectors with three try assists and a field goal against the defending premiers yesterday.

The Sharks endured a horror afternoon, which included hooker Jayden Brailey being rushed to hospital after breaking his jaw in a second-half collision. But it was the man who last played for Queensland in 2015 that orchestrated the demolition to lift Manly to their fourth straight win.

“With time comes experience, so I’d like to think I’m a better player,” CherryEvans said.

“Only time will tell if I’m ready for Origin again.”

Manly coach Trent Barrett suggested the playmaker should form a bigger part in the Queensland No. 6 selection discussion, with Michael Morgan and Cameron Munster the front runners.

“I wouldn’t swap him for anyone,” Barrett said.

“He’s our side. He’s our leader. He came up with a couple of plays tonight ... and he’s doing it every week.” NEWCASTLE coach Nathan Brown has sprayed young halves Jaelen Feeney and Brock Lamb, accusing them of playing slower than he could have managed during their heartbreaking 32-28 loss to St George Illawarra.

Brown reserved praise for the duo after playing a key hand as the Knights ran out to a 28-10 halftime lead.

However, he then delivered a stinging appraisal of their second half performance, saying he — despite being 43 and retired for 17 years — could have played a more up tempo game.