Daly’s the Cherry in Trbojevic’s eyes
TOM Trbojevic has revealed how Daly Cherry-Evans’ mental strength has inspired him this year, as the pair prepare to don the green and gold together this Saturday.
It has been a rollercoaster season for the Manly duo, with the Sea Eagles constantly in the headlines for the wrong reasons, starting with their notorious trip to Gladstone in April and ending with a 15thplace finish and an ongoing coaching saga.
But as the players continue to watch from the sidelines as Manly sort through their issues, gifted back Trbojevic has opened up on how his skipper has helped him this year.
Queensland playmaker Cherry-Evans has endured several setbacks in his career, including a lengthy hiatus from the Maroons and Kangaroos teams.
But after playing for the PM’s XIII in PNG last week, Cherry-Evans will play his first official Test in four years on Saturday against New Zealand.
Trbojevic said he could not wait to wear the Kangaroos jumper with his Manly teammate, who has shown him the strength needed to ride out the highs and lows of rugby league.
“It’s how mentally strong he is,” Trbojevic said of why Cherry-Evans had inspired him.
“He’s a great person. That’s the main thing. He’s been really good, not just for me but our footy team. He’s our captain and he leads us week in, week out.
“Cherry’s been through a lot but he’s a great footy player. He’s well-deserving of this spot. He’ll show everyone that come Saturday night.
“He’s been playing some really good footy and wore that Queensland No.7 jersey really well in Game Three (of this year’s Origin). He was probably man of the match.
“I can’t wait to see him put that No.7 jersey on for Australia because he certainly deserves it.”
Trbojevic will also be joined on the field by his brother and Manly teammate, Jake.
He said the toughest part of this year had been watching Manly slump to 15th place on the ladder with 17 losses and the fallout that had since occurred with coach Trent Barrett.
It was also revealed last week that former South Sydney mentor Michael Maguire had knocked back an offer to take over from Barrett at Manly and Trbojevic said it was difficult to see the Sea Eagles struggle in their search for a coach.
However, as he flew out of Brisbane yesterday to head to New Zealand for the two-Test tour, he said the ongoing dramas would not affect his current contract with the Sea Eagles.