Daly Cherry-Evans has issued a cautious note to the New South Wales Blues ahead of the 2026 State of Origin series decider, highlighting the threat posed by Queensland halfback Sam Walker. Cherry-Evans, a seasoned Origin veteran and former Queensland captain, emphasized Walker’s ability to rise to big occasions and suggested their strong partnership at the Sydney Roosters could play a decisive role in the final match scheduled for Wednesday night.

Walker, 24, has quickly established himself as a key figure for Queensland in his debut Origin series. After being recruited by the Roosters from Manly during the off-season, he has formed a productive halves combination with Cherry-Evans that has helped drive the Bondi club into the NRL’s top four. Cherry-Evans, who captained the Maroons to three series victories—including crucial wins at Suncorp Stadium in 2020 and 2022—believes Walker’s unique skill set and composure make him a serious threat to the Blues’ hopes.

“There’s only one Sam Walker,” Cherry-Evans said, praising the younger player’s maturity and competitive drive. “I wasn’t surprised by how he handled Origin. He’s got a demeanor that’s unflappable. I know from my own experience under Billy Slater’s coaching just how much work goes into preparing for these games. Sam has been fantastic this series, and I’m sure he and his family are proud of his debut as Queensland’s halfback.”

Walker was first brought into the Maroons setup in 2022 as a development player, the same year Cherry-Evans led Queensland to a memorable 22-12 victory over New South Wales at Suncorp Stadium. Although Cherry-Evans lost his starting No.7 position following last year’s Origin Game 1 defeat, he expressed confidence in his successors Tom Dearden and Walker, describing the latter as a “team-first player” with the willingness to take control when the game is on the line.

Cherry-Evans’s respect for Walker’s approach has been strengthened by their on-field chemistry, and the veteran halfback hinted that the partnership could influence his own career plans. The 367-game NRL stalwart is currently out of contract at the end of the season but indicated he may consider extending his playing tenure into 2027 to continue working alongside Walker.

With the Origin decider imminent, Cherry-Evans’s endorsement of Walker underscores the significant challenge facing the Blues as they aim to halt Queensland’s ascent in the series and prevent their gifted halfback from securing the Wally Lewis Medal in his first Origin campaign.