- Johns says he saw Cherry-Evans take a cheap shot in Game I
- He thinks the QLD captain could have more problems with Mitchell
- The second game in the Origin series will be at the MCG on June 26.
Daly Cherry-Evans and the Maroons crushed New South Wales 38-10 in Origin I, but Blues legend Andrew Johns believes the Queensland captain took a “cheap shot” during the match.
DCE looks to lead the Maroons to a fourth series win in five years after an excellent performance in Sydney.
But Johns believes it could 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 Queensland captain took a ‘cheap shot’ in Game 1
Johns says DCE (pictured) is in great shape but Latrell Mitchell will test him this week
“I actually saw a clip of a Daly low blow,” Johns said. News Corporation.
‘He put Angus on the ground, so Angus doesn’t face that guy (in Origin II).’
The Blues legend believes Cherry-Evans will have a tougher time with Latrell Mitchell this week.
“Daly is at the top of his game, but good luck facing Latrell,” Johns said.
‘Valentine Holmes is already talking about it saying that he will confront Latrell and it will be in their heads.
‘Queensland’s right side is a target. The gap between DCE and Holmes, that space between halfback and centre, is where NSW will apply pressure with Angus, Latrell, Dylan Edwards and Jarome (Luai) floating around.
“That will be the point they will aim for, especially with Latrell.
Mitchell hasn’t played in Origin since 2021 but is back for Game 2
“He is the X factor of New South Wales.”
The second game of the Origin series will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 26.
NSW last won the interstate trophy in 2021, where Mitchell featured in all three games.