MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: Daly Cherry Evans should not play State of Origin for Queensland and focus on Manly

I might be 58 but I’d pull on a NSW jersey tomorrow if Laurie Daley gave me a call.

That’s how much playing for my state in rugby league’s toughest arena meant to me.

I was privileged to be part of eight Origin matches and cherished every minute.

You’ve truly arrived as a footballer if you play Origin and succeed.

But sometimes in professional sport, you’ve got to put the greater good above personal ambition.

So, what I’m about to say doesn’t come lightly.

The drums are beating Daly Cherry-Evans has rung Queensland coach Billy Slater and informed him he is available for Origin.

“I have spoken to Daly. I would be very surprised if he wasn’t available,” Slater said.

That’s close enough to a yes for me.

That is the veteran halfback’s right but I’m not sure it’s the correct call.

While it might be good for DCE, it’s not in Manly’s best interests.

In my view, he should have told Slater he is stepping away from Origin.

He should have then scrolled through his phone and let Anthony Seibold in on the news, pledging to give everything to the Manly cause for the rest of his final season at Brookvale.

It’s the least he can do after the club has given him so much over such a long period of time.

DCE has played 25 times for Queensland and done it all.

He’s played in multiple series-winning sides and held the shield aloft as captain of the victorious Maroons.

He will go down as one of his state’s all-time Origin greats.

I have no doubt – even at 36 – he could handle another campaign.

But that’s not the point.

The Sea Eagles need him, as was illustrated in the vital win over premiers Penrith in round eight.

With DCE, Tom Trbojevic and Haumole Olakau’atu in the line-up, the Sea Eagles are top four material.

Without them, they will be in a dogfight just to make the eight.

“Chez” won a premiership with the Sea Eagles in 2011 but hasn’t landed the big prize since.

That’s a long drought when you look at Manly’s history since the 1970s.

An Origin campaign takes so much out of you, especially when you’re captain.

And there will be extra pressure on Cherry-Evans’ shoulders after the Maroons blew last year’s series.

I know he’s been there, done that and is the ultimate professional, but it’s draining all the same.

Players don’t always return from Origin in the best shape – mentally or physically.

It can take weeks to feel your old self again, especially if you’re coming off a series loss.

DCE owes it to Manly to put all his energy into club football from here on in.

I think it’s selfish of him to think otherwise.