Darren Lockyer believes Nathan Cleary is poised to dislodge Daly Cherry-Evans as Australia’s halfback for this year’s Rugby League World Cup.
But of immediate concern to Cherry-Evans is the State of Origin decider on Wednesday night, which Lockyer and fellow Queensland great Sam Thaiday see as a defining chapter in the Manly maestro’s reign as Maroons captain.
Cherry-Evans, installed as Greg Inglis’ successor ahead of the 2019 opener, has only led Queensland to one series win from three attempts.
READ MORE: Warning fired at struggling Queensland Origin veteran
READ MORE: Staggering consequence of Wimbledon’s Russia ban
READ MORE: Baffled Tszyu hits back at ‘insecure’ Kambosos
However, it was supposedly the worst Queensland team in history that he steered to Origin glory.
That’s certainly the view of former New South Wales skipper Paul Gallen.
While Cherry-Evans might not ever be held in as high regard as legendary Queensland captains Arthur Beetson, Wally Lewis, Cameron Smith and Lockyer, former Maroons forward Thaiday sees qualities in the 33-year-old that could bolster his legacy in the Brisbane finale.
“This is probably one of the biggest tests he has in this State of Origin jersey, to stand up at Suncorp Stadium to lead his team to victory,” Thaiday said on Wide World of Sports’ QLDER.
“I think he’s got those traits of a great captain in him.
“This will be a test for him, but I am sure he will stand up to that test.”
Thaiday and Cherry-Evans were Queensland teammates in five games between 2013, 2014 and 2015.
“It’s his chance and opportunity to really stand up as a captain (on Wednesday night),” Thaiday added.
“If he wants to be known as a great Queensland captain he’s got to lead the Queensland team to victory in this game and really lead by example as a captain.
“I think he’s got it in him.”
ULTIMATE GUIDE: State of Origin III
READ MORE: Queensland Maroons team list | Origin III
READ MORE: NSW Blues team list | Origin III
The pressure weighing down on Cherry-Evans has perhaps never been greater after megastar halves partner Cameron Munster was wiped from the decider due to a positive COVID-19 result.
Queensland coach Billy Slater is refusing to spill on whether Cowboys youngster Tom Dearden or Dragons captain Ben Hunt will replace Munster at five-eighth.
“(Cherry-Evans) is in there fighting hard and if they’re able to win on Wednesday that elevates him to a higher status,” Lockyer said.
“A lot of forwards respected (Andrew Johns) because he got in there and tackled as good as they did.
“I couldn’t do that, but I was always willing to get in there and roll my sleeves up.
“I think that’s what most of the forwards want from their halves — getting in there and playing tough.
“I think (Cherry-Evans) is capable of that, and he’ll have to do that on Wednesday night.”
Watch State of Origin exclusive, live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Lockyer thinks Cleary has wrestled the Kangaroos No.7 jumper from Cherry-Evans through his recent heroics.
“I think Nathan would be the halfback picked on his performance in game two. Won the (NRL) premiership last year. He’s the best game manager in the game consistently,” Lockyer said.
“Daly has some really comprehensive games at halfback for Manly, but every week Nathan brings (the same level).
“I said it the other day: the thing that scares me the most as a Queenslander is that the two times NSW has won a decider (in Brisbane) was ’94, (when) Ricky Stuart was the halfback, and then 2005, (when) it was (Johns) at halfback. Nathan Cleary, for mine, is going in the same direction as those two.
“So, he’s the guy we have to stop.”
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!