“It’s probably not the only time I’ve got upset. It’s only because it was an Origin game it was more noticeable. And that incident was less to do with me and more about our whole [Queensland] team needing to stand up that night.
“I know I got up and pushed him, but there was a lot more that had happened that game, and I felt like someone needed to push back.
Stephen Crichton and Daly Cherry-Evans were all smiles at Monday’s finals launch.Credit: Kate Geraghty/SMH
“We’ve played against each other over the years on different arenas. He’s a massive competitor, we’ve shaped up a few times, but there are not too many more respectful players after a game when you shake hands, and it’s all said and done.”
The Sea Eagles had no problems dominating the physical battle against Canterbury less than a fortnight ago. Dogs hooker Reed Mahoney is one of the most pesky players in the NRL, but was on the back foot all night and too tired to niggle his opponents.
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Cherry-Evans said the huge vocal crowd that night gave them a taste of what to expect inside Accor Stadium this weekend, and it would be foolish to think a similar game plan would lead to the same result.
The skipper added the return of Tom Trbojevic was a huge boost, but it was on the rest of the team to aim up.
“Tommy is a great inclusion for us, but we need to make sure 12 other blokes on the field are having a crack,” Cherry-Evans said.
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