Tom Dearden shares 'inspirational' text by Daly Cherry-Evans before State of Origin decider
revealed that after being named as former
Queensland
captain
Daly Cherry-Evans
' replacement ahead of Game 3, he received an 'inspirational' text from his predecessor encouraging him to thrive in the 2025
State of Origin
decider.
Dearden proceeded to deliver a stunning performance - scoring two crucial tries and earning
Wally Lewis Medal
as player of the series - helping Queensland clinch a 24–12 victory
New South Wales
in the deciding Game 3 in front of 80,256 fans at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
New South Wales opened the 2025 State of Origin series with an 18-6 win in Brisbane on May 28, but Queensland hit back with a thrilling 26-24 victory in Perth on June 18 to level the series.
— NRL (@NRL)
Wally Lewis Medal winner Tom Dearden has paid tribute to the man he replaced, former Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans, after delivering a career-best performance to help seal the 2025 State of Origin series for the Maroons. Apart for scoring two tries, Dearden also produced a crucial try-saving tackle on Blues winger
Brian To'o
.
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— NRL (@NRL)
Although Dearden's rise effectively marked the end of Cherry-Evans' Origin career by taking over the No.7 jersey mid-series, he revealed after the match that the veteran halfback played a key role in his growth. He shared that Cherry-Evans had even sent him a supportive message before the decider, highlighting his class and ongoing influence despite stepping aside.
"He sent me a message which said, 'good luck, congratulations and all that stuff'," Dearden said.
"He's a proud Queenslander too, and he would have wanted the best for us. I wasn't surprised at all though because I know Daly Cherry-Evans and that's the type of person he is.
"I've been very lucky to be involved with camps with Daly and to see the way he leads this team around and the way he prepares for an Origin game. Watching that, it helped me a lot. He's been instrumental in my development just being involved in camp with him," Dearden added.
— NRL (@NRL)
Dearden began the series coming off the bench in Game 1, which saw New South Wales secure a win in Brisbane. But for Games 2 and 3, coach
Billy Slater
made a bold call-replacing veteran Cherry-Evans with Dearden in the starting halves. The move proved decisive, shifting the momentum of the series.
Getty Images
Cameron Munster and Tom Dearden (right) of the Queensland Maroons celebrate with the State of Origin Shield after winning game three of the State Of Origin series against New South Wales Blues at Accor Stadium in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by)
While much of the spotlight ahead of the decider was on
Cameron Munster
, who bravely took the field just days after his father's passing, it was Dearden who stole the show. He outperformed Blues playmaker Nathan Cleary and firmly established himself as Queensland's leading creative force.
"It's a special feeling," Dearden said of his Wally Lewis Medal honour.
"I'm just proud. I really enjoy playing footy and I just love competing. When you get to play in these teams, you have so many great players around you and I think that brings out the best in myself."
— NRL (@NRL)
Coach Slater had high praise for his young No.7, calling Dearden 'one of the best competitors' he's ever come across.
"I don't think anyone is surprised how Tom Dearden has played in the No.7 jersey," Slater said.
Last year, it was the Blues who came out on top, clinching the series with a 14-4 win in the decider at Brisbane.
Since its inception in 1982, the State of Origin has seen Queensland dominate with 25 series wins - highlighted by an unprecedented eight-year streak from 2006 to 2013. New South Wales has claimed 17 series victories, with two ending in draws.
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