7th Tackle: Why DCE isn't in Meninga's PM's XIII

An unshakeable desire to be at the birth of his third child has seen Daly Cherry-Evans knock back the chance to wear green and gold again.

Mal Meninga had originally selected DCE at halfback for Sunday week’s Prime Minister's XIII clash against the Kumuls in Port Moresby.

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It would have been Cherry-Evans’ first appearance in the National colours since 2014 and a huge boost to his representative aspirations after being overlooked by Queensland for the past two series.

But with his partner due to give birth in the next two weeks, Cherry-Evans wanted to stay close to home as opposed to being abroad for five days.

He was also struggling with a hip pointer injury, prompting Mal Meninga to draft Jack Bird into the halves alongside James Maloney.