Daly Cherry-Evans has opened up after being sensationally snubbed for next week’s Origin decider.

The Manly star has been the form half of the NRL in 2017 but was controversially overlooked for Bronco Ben Hunt.

Hunt’s form has been questionable to say the least - highlighted by the fact he was playing park footy just a few weeks ago and with Brisbane winning only three of the nine games he has featured in this year.

In contrast, Cherry-Evans has been scintillating as the former Maroons No.7 has lifted Manly to equal second after many experts said the Sea Eagles would not make the top eight.

Hunt’s selection adds weight to rumours Cherry-Evans is on the nose with Queensland hierarchy as bad blood lingers from his back-flip on the Titans two years ago.

Nevertheless, a collected Cherry-Evans today said he would put his omission behind him as he looks to make Manly a genuine premiership threat.  

“Look I understand the decision but (I am) very disappointed personally. I knew obviously through the injury of JT that there was an opportunity available and over the past couple of weeks and throughout the year I have tried to put my best foot forward to get back in the Origin arena,” he said.

“It’s not to be this series so I can move forward pretty quickly knowing that there is no more Origin to be played after this game and look forward to the rest of this season with Manly.

 

“Just understanding that there was an opportunity available and I was in the mix – I wasn’t naive to the fact that I was in calculations, so missing out hurts more than not being in contention at all.

“When I walked away from last season I made it a personal goal to make sure I put myself back in contention for these sorts of sides and I feel like I have done that and it would have been nice to seal it off with a spot.”​

Cherry-Evans, who has played six Origins to date, said he held no ill feeling towards selectors and former Broncos players Gene Miles, Darren Lockyer and Walters.

“I haven’t got a chance and that’s through personal preference of the coach and selectors. I haven’t taken it personally and I understand that they have big decisions to make,” he said.

“They’ll back their decision which is exactly what you want coaching staff and selectors to do and I am going to continue to play well and hopefully I am in the same conversations next year.

“I knew I wasn’t in the side because you normally get a call the day before so it was really nice for him (Walters) to give me the time of day.

“I haven’t played in a side with Kevvy Walters so I didn’t expect him to call me but I thought that was very nice and respectful and, as I told him, I was really appreciative of it.”