The NSW halfback was told about the changes to the Queensland side after his NRL game.
Nathan Cleary was reportedly left surprised Billy Slater opted to drop captain and halfback Daly Cherry-Evans from State of Origin Game 2, while dropping Patrick Carrigan to the bench has also raised alarm bells. Slater’s decision to drop Cherry-Evans has surprised Queensland fans with their ‘stick and pick’ mantra left behind with the Maroons coach looking to save the series after being dominated in Game 1.
The Queensland coach deemed Cherry-Evans was too far behind the speed of the game in the 18-6 defeat and with the fast Perth set to favour the brutal NSW side, Slater felt the younger legs of Tom Dearden would be better suited for Game 2.
Slater becomes the first coach to drop a captain mid-series this century and his decision was described as ‘monumental’ by AAP reporter Scott Bailey. Cherry-Evans has most likely played his last game for Queensland having captained the side to a number of series victories.
While the 36-year-old has struggled for consistency in 2025 it was always going to be a huge call to drop Queensland’s captain after just one game. And speaking to the Penrith and NSW halfback after his team’s win over the Wests Tigers on the weekend, Bailey claimed Cleary reacted to the news with just as much surprise as some of the fans.
“Look it definitely surprised NSW. I was talking to Nathan Cleary after the game the other night. I told him that Daly had been dropped and his response was, ‘wow, really?’ I think there are a few in the NSW camp…that were surprised to it coming. It is as monumental call, I can remember, in State of Origin history,” Bailey said on SEN Radio on Tuesday morning.
On Tuesday, Slater also confirmed Cameron Munster would take over the captaincy in a move many expected with Cherry-Evans’ departure. And Munster also admitted he was slightly surprised to find out the No.7 had been dropped for Game 2, but backed Dearden to step up.
He’s been playing some great footy, unfortunately one of my good mates Chez had to be left out, he’s breathing down both our necks Tommy,” Munster said at a press conference on Tuesday. “We had to find a spot for him and look he’s been playing some great footy the past couple of years… made that position his own for Australia.
“I’m really fortunate to play alongside him and I am really excited to see what combination we can bring on Wednesday.” Although Slater didn’t stop the surprises having confirmed Australian and Queensland forward Carrigan would be dropped to the bench for Game 2.
Billy Slater demotes Patrick Carrigan for Origin Game 2
While some expected Cherry-Evans to make way for the in-form and younger Dearden, not many expected Carrigan to reportedly lose his position in the starting side. Slater will start Carrigan from the bench in Game 2 to change-up the side, according to the official team sheet.
Trent Loeiro will move to lock in a huge call for Slater who is looking to shake-up the forward pack ahead of Game 2. While the spine of Queensland were unable to have an impact at Suncorp it was the forward pack where Queensland lost the battle.
However, not everyone is convinced shifting Carrigan to the bench is the answer. Many feel Loeiro was fortunate to be selected for his debut in Game 1 and the potential to have him starting over one of the best forwards in the game has raised eyebrows.
If Slater’s gamble comes off he will be hailed as a genius with Queensland facing a huge turn around in form to topple the Blues in Perth. But if his team is battered into submission once again, Slater could face the pressure. Kevin Walters was eventually moved on after losing two series in a row when he was in charge of the Maroons and Slater would be concerned he could face the same fate. And fans have already started to scrutinise his selection choices with many unconvinced before Game 2 has even got underway.
In response to NSW’ continued dominance in the forwards, Billy Slater has decided not to pick Big Red, relegate Carrigan & Nanai to the bench, pick Capewell who has the second most missed tackles in the comp, and a position swap for Hammer & Val. Already deflated!
One thing is for certain at the end of the Perth Origin. Billy Slater is either going to be hailed as a genius or a lunatic for appointing Cameron Munster as captain.
actually what is Billy Slater’s problem? dropping Fermor (without an actual chance) for Capewell? and now apparently keeping Cotter on an edge and promoting Loiero at the expense of Nanai and Carrigan, our two best by a mile in game 1? i fear he might just be an awful coach?
