MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: Daly Cherry-Evans should have fallen on his State of Origin sword rather than be dropped

Some players know when their time is up and others need a tap on their shoulder to be told the game has passed them by.

Daly Cherry-Evans is clearly in the latter category and needed Billy Slater to euthanise his State of Origin career after 26 games in the maroon jumper.

It shouldn’t have come to this.

As I wrote earlier in the season, DCE has been a wonderful contributor for his State, but he should have been fully invested with Manly in his final season at Brookvale.

He owed it to the Sea Eagles to quit Origin and give them his undivided attention.

I copped some flak for labelling him selfish for making himself available for Origin, but I stand by my words.

At 36, DCE has done it all in the toughest arena of the lot and leaves as one of Queensland’s greats.

But I find it sad that he waited to be dumped rather than opting out and leaving it to the next generation.

Cherry-Evans’ club form has been so-so and he was poor in the Origin I defeat.

He’s since run hot and cold in club footy.

I’m no expert on halfbacks – I used to prefer squashing ‘em rather than watching ‘em! – but I could tell he was well off the pace against the Blues, admittedly playing behind a well beaten pack.

The greatest No.7 of them all – Andrew Johns – knows a thing or two about the position and declared old Father Time had caught up with DCE.

He called on Slater to pull the trigger and dump his captain for the more explosive Tom Dearden.

It shouldn’t have been left up to Slater to drop the guillotine, but he’s done the right thing by the team and him own coaching future.

Remember, the Queensland boss is just one more defeat away from back-to-back series losses.

The Blues have won three of the past four Origins, including two consecutive victories at the Maroons’ so-called cauldron, Suncorp Stadium.

Slater’s job is not under immediate threat, but Bananabenders are demanding some sort of response in games two and three – and he’s delivered.

AND DON’T GET ME STARTED

Anyone remember the name Ivan Henjak?

He was the first Brisbane coach after Wayne Bennett’s 21-year stint ended and soon found out filling such large shoes was a near impossible task.

Henjak was shown the door after two seasons and a succession of coaches have come and gone – including Bennett’s second coming – without premiership success.

I use Henjak as a cautionary tale for the poor bloke set to take over as Melbourne coach whenever Craig Bellamy decides to end his incredible rein at the Storm.

That’s a decision at least 12 months away after Craig declared last week he’d be staying in the saddle for at least another season.

The smart money has Marc Brentnall – Bellyache’s long-term assistant – eventually stepping into the senior role once his boss departs the building.

I’ve heard nothing but good things about Brentnall and he has the respect of everyone in the Storm camp.

He doesn’t need me to remind him of the enormity of replacing such a legendary figure.

It’s been Bellamy’s club since 2003 and I think even the most experienced of coaches would be nervous being next man up.

Talking about batting after Bradman…

Brentnall will benefit from one more year under the master coach and has age and time on his side to mount a successful head coaching career.

Until then, he’s getting the best apprenticeship in the game.

NOW FOR SOME PERSONAL NEWS

Excuse me why I give myself a couple of hundred words to fill you in on some proud Dad news.

My wonderful and courageous daughter Indi has been short-listed for a spot on the world- famous Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders’ squad.

This is the Mt Everest of cheerleading and something Indi has dreamt about since she was a little girl.

She has certainly come a long way since starting out with the Manly Seabirds, under the direction of mum and chief choreographer, Monique.

After getting through stages one and two, Indi flew out for America on Monday ahead of final auditions in Dallas on Saturday.

Four thousand applicants have been whittled down to just 70, with only six spots available.

Talk about brutal!

Indi made it into the top 65 worldwide last year and was invited back for further trials this year.

She is up against cheerleaders from around the planet and, of course, homegrown American girls who are all desperate to be part of this incredible franchise.

While I can’t claim any credit for my daughter’s gymnastic skills, rhythm, speed and flexibility, I reckon she might have inherited some of this front-rower’s grit and determination.

Indi is a real fighter, overcoming some tough physical challenges to keep chasing her dream.

The family could not be more proud.