Kevin Walters Set To Make Shock Origin Call-Up For Decider

Big call!

Kevin Walters Photo: Getty Images

Coach Kevin Walters has sought to put paid to speculation of a strained relationship between Daly Cherry-Evans and the Queensland set-up amid rumours Ben Hunt is preferred for the State of Origin decider.

Halfback Cherry-Evans has been in outstanding club form for Manly, but it seemingly won't be enough for a game three berth to fill the gap left by injured superstar playmaker Johnathan Thurston.

Ben Hunt Photo: Getty Images

Brisbane halfback Hunt is set to be named to make his debut against NSW in next Wednesday's match, according to News Corp Australia, despite up-and-down NRL form this year.

Walters said Michael Morgan was ready for promotion from the Maroons' bench to fill the five-eighth spot vacated by Thurston, while Hunt or Cherry-Evans could play in the no.14 jersey.

Daly Cherry-Evans Photo: Getty Images

Melbourne's Cameron Munster is also a chance to make his debut, Walter said.

"All the guys over the weekend have put their hands up tremendously, those who are in contention," Walters told Sky Sports on Monday.

He labelled the rumours surrounding Cherry-Evans as "hogwash".

"If he's not selected this afternoon, or if he is selected, either way, he's played for Queensland, he's done a great job for Queensland in the past, I won't have a problem selecting him, neither will anyone in the the side," Walter said.

"Put that rumour to bed."

Cameron Munster Photo: Getty Images

Young gun Munster is expected to be named for Origin III, bringing the number of rookies Queensland have blooded in this series to eight.

It is understood Walters has yet to decide on Thurston's replacement at five-eighth.

But he acknowledged Munster's existing combinations with Storm teammates, including Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater, would benefit the Maroons.

If Hunt is selected to make his Origin debut for the Maroons it will come just one month after he was dropped to the Queensland Cup to play for Ipswich by Broncos coach Wayne Bennett.

The Queensland team will be named at 1pm AEST on Monday.

For all of the live coverage listen to Triple M.