State of Origin 2019: Daly Cherry-Evans says support cast will be crucial

Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans predicts the bench will have another huge influence on Sunday’s State of Origin II clash at Optus Stadium.

The Maroons bench contributed heavily in the come-from-behind 18-14 first game win in Brisbane and Cherry-Evans expects the same in game two.

There are two new faces on their bench, Jarrod Wallace and Tim Glasby, while Moses Mbye, the “everywhere man” who has played across the back line, is expected to get more than the eight minutes he got in game one.

“A bench in Origin can dramatically change the impact of the game,” Cherry-Evans said.

“Our bench did that fantastically in game one.

“Our bench is extremely important in the way this game will play out.

“I truly believe our bench can have a positive impact on this game.

“Jarrod and Tim need to understand they are the best players in their position for what we are trying to do. If Moses does get injected into the first half I’m sure he’s going to make a positive impact.

“He’s got a lot of ability, a ball runner, extremely fast and agile. Hopefully we get to see those skills.”

Cherry-Evans said he was unconcerned about the seven NSW changes and Queensland would benefit from a settled side with a short turnaround.

“I was more worried to see who was named in our 17,” he said.

“My job is about worrying about what balance we’ve got in our side. Continuity on a short turnaround is something that we probably all want.

“Hopefully that plays to our advantage but we won’t be relying on that.”

The two sides will get their first look inside Optus Stadium at training today and Cherry-Evans said: “As a kicker I’m certainly going to have to get my bearings. It’s not traditional but we are not going to use any excuses.

“We’ll do our best at training to make sure we get a really good feel of the stadium but we certainly won’t be using that as an excuse.”

Queensland coach Kevin Walters dismissed any injury concerns.

He said Dane Gagai (virus), Cherry-Evans (shoulder), full-back Kalyn Ponga (calf) and prop Dylan Napa (broken wrist) were guaranteed starters and Cherry- Evans said that he had “bounced” through training.