‘No scapegoat’: Why Slater axed legend for Major Tom

Joel Gould and Scott Bailey | June 9, 2025

Queensland coach Billy Slater insists captain Daly Cherry-Evans was not a scapegoat for the side’s recent failings after he was axed as half and replaced by Tom Dearden.

Not since Trevor Gillmeister was dropped in 1996 as captain and replaced by Allan Langer have Queensland taken such a drastic step in the middle of a State of Origin series.

Slater said he had elevated 24-year-old Dearden to No.7 for game two in Perth because it was “the right decision” for the team after three consecutive losses.

After 26 games for the Maroons, and the last 19 as skipper, the curtain has come down on 36-year-old Cherry-Evans’ stellar Origin career.

So was he a scapegoat?

“It’s not the case,” Slater said.

“It’s just a case of the best person for the position. I am sure people will have their opinion. When you are in this position … you have to think what the best thing is for the footy team … and we just feel Tom is the right person for the No.7 jersey right now.”

A glance at this year’s attacking benchmarks in club football could explain why Slater believes 24-year-old North Queensland co-captain Dearden is ready to replace Manly captain Cherry-Evans.

In 12 NRL games Dearden has 11 try assists, 16 line break assists, four tries and averages 106m per game.

Cherry-Evans, also in 12 matches, has nine try assists, five line break assists, three tries and averages 66m.

Dearden is more of a direct running half. Slater said the Maroons “want to play to our players’ strengths”.

While changing the half won’t fix everything, there is a sense Dearden’s style will unlock the outside backs.

“We just want Tom Dearden to do his job and be the best version of Tom Dearden he can be. He will get a bit of support around him,” Slater said.

The coach said it was “tough” to tell Cherry-Evans of his demise.

“But when you take this position and you serve the state and footy team, sometimes you have to make the hard calls. That’s what we feel is the correct one,” Slater added.

“You won’t hear a negative word from me about Daly Cherry-Evans. What he has given this jersey and done for this footy team and this group, that will be with all Queenslanders and Daly for the rest of his life.

“Obviously Daly wanted to play and he was disappointed.

“We have shared some great memories. He has held the trophy up for three of the past five years and he has been an instrumental part of that.”

The Maroons will announce their captain on Tuesday with Melbourne duo Harry Grant and Cameron Munster, along with Gold Coast captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui the contenders.

Slater has recalled Warriors centre/back-rower and axed Titans forward Beau Fermor in the 20-man squad. The playing 17 will also be confirmed on Tuesday although it is expected Brisbane No.6 Ezra Mam, Melbourne centre Jack Howarth and Canberra forward Corey Horsburgh will be listed as non-playing reserves.

QUEENSLAND SQUAD FOR STATE OF ORIGIN II:

Kalyn Ponga, Xavier Coates, Robert Toia, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Valentine Holmes, Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Harry Grant, Moeaki Fotuaika, Reuben Cotter, Jeremiah Nanai, Pat Carrigan, Kurt Mann, Lindsay Collins, Kurt Capewell, Trent Loiero, Ezra Mam, Jack Howarth, Corey Horsburgh.