Despite a stellar few weeks with Manly, Daly Cherry-Evans has again been overlooked by Queensland coach Kevin Walters for Game III.
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With Maroons veteran Johnathan Thurston sidelined with a shoulder injury, Cherry-Evans staked a very convincing claim to be his replacement but Walters has instead opted for debutants Cameron Munster and Ben Hunt.
Having not yet played an Origin game under Walters, Cherry-Evans conceded he did all he could to work his way into the side but feels personal preference of the coaching staff ultimately let him down.
"I understand the decision...very disappointed personally," Cherry-Evans said.
"I knew obviously through the injury to JT there was an opportunity available and over the past couple weeks and throughout the year I’ve tried to put my best foot forward to get back into the Origin arena.
"I just haven’t got a chance and that’s probably through personal preference of the coaching and selectors.
"I haven’t taken it personally."
Now into his second year of Origin exile, the Manly halfback is intent on earning back a Maroons jersey next year.
"I wasn’t naive to the fact that I was in calculations so obviously when you’re close and you miss out I guess it hurts a bit more than not being in the race at all," Cherry-Evans said.
"I’m going to continue to play well and hopefully I’m in the same conversations next year."
The 28-year-old still has a big season ahead of him with the Sea Eagles currently sitting third on the NRL ladder after 17 rounds.
