Queensland Maroons omitted Daly Cherry-Evans for next week’s State of Origin decider in Brisbane with Cooper Cronk returning from a knee injury.

Halfback Cherry-Evans has played most of the game for Queensland ever since game one last year as a replacement for an injured Cronk. However, with the 31-year-old returning to the lineup for next week’s decider, the Manly playmaker was dumped by the squad and will not play for State of Origin III. Despite not playing for the Maroons since being ruled out in the game two loss, Queensland still picked Cronk while North Queensland’s Michael Morgan kept the bench utility spot from Cherry-Evans.

Queensland coach Mal Meninga was not able to find room for Cherry-Evans in his 17-man team, but brushed off the speculations that the 26-year-old playmaker was forced out of the team because of his role in Queensland’s three losses including the 26-18 defeat to New South Wales at the Melbourne Cricket Ground two weeks ago.

“I disagree with that totally. The times he has played for us at No 14 he’s played very well for us. They (NSW) put a lot of pressure on him in game two and he came up with very few mistakes. This decision is based around what’s best for the team. Michael (Morgan) is in front at the moment. Michael plays more positions, it’s as simple as that,” Meninga said via The Australian.

Meinga also said that selectors opted for Morgan over Cherry-Evans because the former can cover various backline positions including fullback as per reports of Sydeny Morning Herald. “With Billy (Slater) out it gives us cover at the back keeping Michael Morgan on the bench. He can play full-back if needed. It was a tough decision but one that had to be made,” he added.

Canberra Raiders forward Josh Papalii was named as bench replacement for Brisbane prop Josh McGuire, who was ruled out of the Origin decider after suffering an Achilles injury in Bronco’s win over Newcastle last Friday. Meninga favoured Papalii over Roosters rival Dylan Napa because of experience advantage in Origin deciders according to reports of ABC.net.au.

Queensland’s State of Origin III team will be comprised with team captain Cameron Smith, Greg Inglis, Darius Boyd, Will Chambers, Justin Hodges, Dane Gagai, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Matt Scott, Nate Myles, Aidan Guerra, Sam Thaiday, and Corey Parker. Interchanges Michael Morgan, Josh Papalii, Matt Gillet and Jacob Lillyman are also included with Raiders winger Edrick Lee as the 18th man.

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