Phil Gould has doubled down on his criticism of Queensland’s Daly Cherry-Evans sacking ahead of Origin II.
When the Maroons team was named last week, Gould questioned the decision to select Tom Dearden over Cherry-Evans, instead putting the onus on Queensland’s forward pack.
“I don’t think any halfback, let alone a rookie, is going to function behind a forward pack that was beaten as badly as them,” he said.
READ MORE: Monster putt clinches shock US Open victory
READ MORE: NRL player knocked out by ‘dog shot’, ex-star sent off
READ MORE: McKeown whacks critics, drops key hint after disqualification saga
On Monday, Gould once again took aim at the decision.
Phil Gould has criticised the sacking of Daly Cherry-Evans. Nine/Getty
“He doesn’t get that goodbye moment after a great career, they’ve said goodbye for him,” he said on Nine’s 100% Footy.
“He doesn’t get to stand their on the field after a win or loss or draw at the end of the series and say ‘this is my last time’.
“They’ve made their mind up for him, I think it’s been pretty unceremonious actually. I think it’s very, very ordinary to be honest.”
Watch the 2025 State of Origin series exclusively live and free on Nine and 9Now.
As for Gould’s prediction for Wednesday night, he sees a flogging on the horizon with Dylan Edwards man of the match.
“I can find four or five tries for New South Wales, I’m struggling to find two tries for Queensland,” he said.
“I think it’ll be four or five tries to one or two, if they all kick the goals, 40-12 would be my scoreline.
“I don’t think it will be close, sorry I know you all want a decider but I don’t think it will happen.”
