LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Queensland Maroons head coach Billy Slater has indicated that his interactions with players have been limited this year, having primarily communicated with captain Daly Cherry-Evans on two occasions.
Earlier this year, Cherry-Evans expressed uncertainty about his commitment to play in the 2025 Origin series, yet he was announced as the team's leader for the upcoming series aimed at redeeming the poor outcome of last year's Game 3 at home.
The series kicks off on May 28 with a showdown against the Blues at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium.
Slater expressed enthusiasm about supporting Cherry-Evans, who has recently faced challenges in maintaining his form with Manly.
"To be honest, I haven't spoken to a whole heap of players over the last 11 weeks.
I've let them go and play footy, and watched their actions.
He [Cherry-Evans] is one guy I've been in communication with," Slater stated during a press conference where Game 1's team was unveiled.
As the Maroons prepare for this pivotal matchup, the focus remains on harnessing Cherry-Evans's leadership to drive the team's performance and achieve a successful series outcome.