DCE: ‘That energy that hits you from this Queensland crowd, there’s nothing like it’
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Pulling on the Queensland Maroons jersey, running out to a packed stadium and representing every Queenslander, are all things captain Daly Cherry-Evans does not take for granted.
Cherry-Evans, FOG #176, has pulled on the Maroons jersey 22 times and 15 of those times has been as captain.
The passionate Queenslander said his State of Origin journey had been a rollercoaster, but one that made him the player he was today.
That's a player who has earned the FOGS Dick ‘Tosser’ Turner Medal for playing 20 Origin games – an honour only 33 Queenslanders have achieved and one he is “extremely grateful” to have achieved.
After making his Origin debut in 2013, he played a total of six games across the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Origin series and did not play again until 2018.
That gap fuelled a fire in Cherry-Evans to be better, play better and really make everyone proud. Every Queenslander cheering loudly from their loungerooms or at the games.
Cherry-Evans said, in particular, there was nothing like running out at Suncorp Stadium.
“I’m the luckiest Queenslander at the moment because I get to run out onto this stadium first,” he said when reflecting on his Origin career.
“I’m the guy who gets hit with all of that energy from this amazing stadium and the amazing people in it, with all of their maroon jerseys on.
Be part of the 'wall of sound' that hits Maroons
"That, for me, is a moment I’ll never take for granted. That energy that hits you from this Queensland crowd… there’s nothing like it and that’s what makes being Queensland captain so special.
“I understand now how important this jersey is to my family, mum and dad, and the people of Queensland.
"I’ve really immersed myself in just allowing myself to play for more than myself…. it’s not just about me. The pride and the passion and the privilege that you have, to be a Queenslander, it’s more than just yourself.”
People have the opportunity to be one of those Queenslanders who generates that energy, that wall of sound - and one of the first to secure Origin tickets - through a Maroons membership.
Fans can secure a seat in the official Maroons supporter bays with a ticketed membership now; these memberships also include a Maroons Shop gift card, supporter pack, 2024 digital member card and 10 per cent off at Maroons Shop.
