Daly Cherry-Evans Injury Woes: Canterbury's Halves Strategy in Doubt

Daly Cherry-Evans' injury woes have sparked concerns about Canterbury's halves strategy, with the team's long-term plans in doubt.

What happened?

On Sunday, Daly Cherry-Evans suffered another hamstring injury in a reserve-grade game at Belmore Sports Ground. The 20-year-old had been making a long-awaited return from hamstring injuries, scoring the opening try in the game with some dazzling footwork. However, his return was short-lived, as he picked up another hamstring injury in the 53rd minute and had to leave the field.

Why it matters for Daly Cherry-Evans

Daly Cherry-Evans is a former NSW under-19s State of Origin halfback and had signed a five-year contract with Canterbury. His latest injury has raised questions about his ability to play at the top level, with journalist Brent Read describing it as "heartbreaking". "He's had hamstring problems all year and hasn't played at all, and in his first game back, he does his hamstring again," Read said.

What comes next?

With Daly Cherry-Evans off contract at the end of 2027, Canterbury will need to plan for next year's lineup. The team is currently running 11th and needs to win at least six of their remaining eight games to qualify for the finals. Fellow panellist Gorden Tallis suggested that Canterbury should give young half Alex Conti a chance to partner Lachlan Galvin in the halves to end the season.

The attention then turned to Canterbury's long-term halves strategy, with 'NRL 360' host Braith Anasta saying, "They've got to be thinking about next year. With Woods going down, he may not be the one if he's going to keep getting injured the way he is. Unfortunately for him, he's injury-prone."

In the same reserve-grade game on Sunday, Daly Cherry-Evans played alongside Alex Conti, who also starred with three line breaks and a try assist. Anasta, who manages Conti, said he wasn't sure what the Bulldogs would do with his client but acknowledged he was in good form.

While Canterbury is currently running 11th, they have to win at least six of their remaining eight games to qualify for the finals. With Daly Cherry-Evans' injury woes, the team's long-term halves strategy is in doubt, and they will need to plan for next year's lineup.

The attention then turned to Canterbury's long-term halves strategy, with 'NRL 360' host Braith Anasta saying, "They've got to be thinking about next year. With Woods going down, he may not be the one if he's going to keep getting injured the way he is. Unfortunately for him, he's injury-prone."

In the same reserve-grade game on Sunday, Daly Cherry-Evans played alongside Alex Conti, who also starred with three line breaks and a try assist. Anasta, who manages Conti, said he wasn't sure what the Bulldogs would do with his client but acknowledged he was in good form.

The team's current position and the need to plan for next year's lineup have sparked concerns about Canterbury's halves strategy, with Daly Cherry-Evans' injury woes at the forefront of the discussion.