Daly Cherry-Evans Dishes Out Key Advice to Origin Rookie Walker

**Daly Cherry-Evans, the former AFL and NRL standout, has offered crucial guidance to Origin rookie Walker as the 2026 State of Origin series looms.** The dual-code legend’s advice-delivered ahead of the first trial match-focuses on mental resilience and tactical adaptability, areas where Walker will need to excel against Queensland’s experienced squad.

Cherry-Evans emphasized the need for Walker to **‘stay composed under pressure’**, a trait he honed during his own Origin debut. The 2026 series begins with trial matches in **July**, with the first game set for **August 10** at Suncorp Stadium. Walker, a South Sydney Rabbitohs forward, was named in the NSW squad after a standout 2025 season.

Walker’s inclusion marks a shift in NSW’s forward line, where Cherry-Evans himself played in 2019. The young player’s ability to **read defensive patterns**-a skill Cherry-Evans mastered-will determine his impact. Queensland’s midfield dominance means NSW will rely on **fresh legs** like Walker to disrupt their rhythm.

Cherry-Evans, now a **Brisbane Lions development coach**, drew parallels between AFL and NRL Origin. He stressed **‘the mental game is 60% of the battle’**, citing his own struggles in early matches. Walker’s trial match performance will be scrutinized, with Cherry-Evans’ advice likely influencing his approach.

Walker’s first Origin trial is **July 20**, with the full squad announced **July 25**. Cherry-Evans’ input suggests NSW are banking on his **physicality and work rate**-areas where he outplayed Queensland’s forwards in past encounters. If successful, Walker could become a key weapon in NSW’s 2026 campaign.