Who’s Who in 22, Sport: Daly Cherry-Evans

Redcliffe Dolphins junior and rugby league superstar Daly Cherry-Evans led the Queensland side to a hard-fought State of Origin win, captained his NRL club and played for Australia in 2022.

It’s been a big year for the kid born at Redcliffe Hospital.

Queensland pulled off one of their greatest and most courageous wins in State of Origin history, coming from behind with 15 players to take out the 2022 series 22-12 at Suncorp Stadium in July.

The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles halfback and captain led the Queensland Maroons for the fourth consecutive series this year.

Cherry-Evans has been the captain since 2019, leading Queensland to a 2-1 series win in 2020, and playing 16 games for Queensland since his debut in 2013.

He played for the Dolphins from under-7s to under-11s, before moving to Mackay.

Cherry-Evans returned to complete Year 12 at Redcliffe State High School, playing for the school team and chasing his rugby league dream.

His father and grandfather both played first grade for the Redcliffe Dolphins.

Cherry-Evans’ beloved Manly finished 11^th in the NRL competition in 2022, but the star halfback and natural leader was still selected to play for Australia, battling Penrith superstar Nathan Cleary for a spot.

About Daly Cherry-Evans

The boy, whose family had strong ties to rugby league, was born at Redcliffe Hospital and played his first game at the age of five for the Redcliffe Dolphins.

He has played ever since.

His desire to play the game at the highest level was front-of-mind throughout high school and has stayed with him throughout his illustrious career.

Cherry-Evans made his NRL debut for Manly-Warringah in 2011 and has remained loyal to the club throughout his career.

A premiership winner in his first season at Manly in 2011, Cherry-Evans won the Clive Churchill Medal in 2013.

Cherry-Evans has played 19 Origin games for Queensland and captained the Maroons since 2019, leading them to series victories in 2020 and 2022.

He has played 16 Tests for Australia since 2011.