Michael Chammas has opened up about his very public spat with Phil Gould on 100% Footy while Christian Nicolussi backed Queensland to stick solid with Daly Cherry-Evans in the latest episode of the Herald’s new league podcast, 40/20.
Our journalists sat down after Origin I to discuss NSW’s 18-6 win, along with Chammas’ fiery exchange with Gould, which left league fans equally intrigued and entertained.
Speaking about what it was like going head-to-head with Gould over previous comments about Lachlan Galvin and the Bulldogs – despite several Gould public denials, Galvin is expected to be officially confirmed as a Bulldog on Friday – Chammas said: “It’s obviously blown up because of the exchange we had. If any other journo was sitting there, I’m sure they’d ask those questions.
“I thought about it before I went on air, if I didn’t [ask those questions] I’d be embarrassing myself. People I know, people on social media, everyone in the lead-up wanted to see Phil Gould asked the question about what he had previously said about [Galvin]. If I didn’t do it, I’d be a laughing stock.
“I’m only there [on the panel] because I have a job to do to ask questions. I have nothing but respect for ‘Gus’, I grew up idolising him … I still sit there thinking, ‘what am I doing on this panel?’ when sitting there next to Cameron Smith, Paul Gallen, Phil Gould, and the great James Bracey. The only reason I’m there is because of my job. I would have done the industry a disservice if I didn’t ask the tough questions.”
Debate about whether the Maroons keep their skipper Cherry-Evans for game two will be a big talking point, but Nicolussi said he would be stunned if coach Queensland Billy Slater axed him for game two in Perth.
“I know ‘Joey’ [Andrew Johns] said it was ‘time to pull th trigger’ and play Tom Dearden, but Daly is your captain, he’s your main kicker, he wasn’t great, but he had plenty of mates who didn’t help him. Cam Munster, Harry Grant, ‘KP’ [Kalyn Ponga] didn’t fire, and if they don’t fire, DCE can’t do his job.
“He’s the glue in that team, I know Billy loves him. I think he’ll be there in Perth, and if they lose there, you’re entitled to ask questions … and if they look to the future.
“Ever since news came out Daly wouldn’t be at Manly beyond this year, his form has dipped. You’d like to think he’s been around long enough, and he’s professional enough to get on with the job. Only a few weeks ago Manly beat Penrith, and he completely outplayed Nathan Cleary, so his form hasn’t dropped off a cliff.
“In terms of game two and sticking with Daly Cherry-Evans, I think it’s a no-brainer.”
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