- Johns says he saw Cherry-Evans make a cheap shot in Game I
- He believes the Queensland skipper will have more problems with Mitchell
- Game two of the Origin series is at the MCG on June 26
Daly Cherry-Evans and the Maroons defeated New South Wales 38-10 in Origin I, but Blues legend Andrew Johns believes the Queensland captain had a ‘cheap chance’ during the match.
DCE will be looking to lead the Maroons to a fourth series win in five years after an excellent performance in Sydney.
But Johns believes things will be tougher for Cherry-Evans at the MCG on Wednesday night with Latrell Mitchell back in the Blues line-up.
He also took aim at the Queensland halfback for his treatment of Angus Crichton during the match.
Blues legend Andrew Johns believes the Queensland captain scored a ‘cheap chance’ in Game 1
Johns says DCE (pictured) is in great form but will be tested by Latrell Mitchell this week
“I actually saw a clip of a cheap recording of Daly,” Johns said News Corp.
“He put Angus on the ground, so Angus doesn’t take that measure (in Origin II).”
The blues legend thinks that Cherry-Evans will have a harder time this week with Latrell Mitchell.
“Daly is at the top of his game, but good luck tackling Latrell,” Johns said.
“Valentine Holmes is already saying he’s going to get in Latrell’s face so he’s in their heads.
“Queensland’s right side is a target. The gap between DCE and Holmes, that space between the halfback and centre, is where NSW will apply pressure as Angus, Latrell, Dylan Edwards and Jarome (Luai) float around.
“That’s going to be where they focus, especially with Latrell.
Mitchell has not played against Origin since 2021, but will be sidelined again for Game 2
“He’s the X-factor of NSW.”
Game two of the Origin series takes place on June 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
NSW last won the Interstate Trophy in 2021, with Mitchell playing in all three matches.