Another incredible milestone will be added to the illustrious record books of the Sea Eagles when two Manly players captain their respective states for the first time in the club’s rich history.
Long serving Sea Eagles captain Daly Cherry-Evans will captain the Queensland Maroons again while Manly vice-captain Jake Trbojevic makes his NSW debut as Blues skipper in Game One of the 2024 State of Origin series at Accor Stadium on Wednesday, June 2.
Cherry-Evans has played 22 Origin games for Queensland and has captained the Maroons to three series victories in 2020, 2022, and 2023.
Trbojevic has played 16 games for NSW after making his Blues debut in 2017.
Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov said it was a great honour for the Club to achieve this rare feat.
Mal Meninga and Laurie Daley (1992-94, Canberra) and Adrian Lam and Brad Fittler (1999-2000, Roosters) have previously captained their respective states from the same club at the same time.
“It is an absolute unique situation that this has happened in our history. Everyone at our Club is incredibly proud of both players,’’ Mestrov said.
“Daly is obviously our club captain and has captained Queensland before to series victories.
“Jake has been a leader of this pack at Manly for quite a number of years now. Being named Blues captain is a due reward to what NSW means to him.
“I was extremely happy for Jake. His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. He is an incredibly hard worker.
“Jake has been one of our best players for the last month. It is a true reward now that he has been named captain.
“It’s a really great moment for the Sea Eagles and a very proud moment for the Club.”
Trbojevic won’t be alone in taking on his great friend Cherry-Evans after their Manly team-mate in damaging second-rower Haumole Olakau’atu was named to make his NSW Blues debut.
“Haumole has had a great couple of seasons. It’s a reward for his hard work,’’ Mestrov added.
“He has been a tremendous player for us on the edge. They have been talking about him for Origin for two seasons.
“It’s just through absolute knocking the door down to play for NSW that his form has got him into the side. I congratulate Haumole and his family.”
