State Of Origin: Cherry-Evans dropped

AAP

29 Jun, 2015 06:26 AM2 mins to read

North Queensland's Michael Morgan kept the bench utility spot ahead of Cherry-Evans who failed to impress as starting halfback in the Maroons' Origin II 26-18 loss. Photo / Getty Images

Daly Cherry-Evans has been dumped from Queensland's State of Origin III team.

Queensland coach Mal Meninga could not find room for game two halfback Cherry-Evans in his 17 after the return of Maroons No.7 Cooper Cronk from a knee injury.

North Queensland's Michael Morgan kept the bench utility spot ahead of Cherry-Evans who failed to impress as starting halfback in the Maroons' Origin II 26-18 loss in Melbourne.

There was speculation Cherry-Evans was on the outer after the Manly playmaker attended a Sea Eagles corporate golf day rather than fly out for Brisbane for Queensland's team announcement on Monday.

Queensland picked Cronk despite the halfback not playing since being ruled out of the Maroons' game two loss.

Canberra giant Josh Papalii was named as the bench forward replacement for Broncos prop Josh McGuire (Achilles).

He played the last of his three Origins in game one last year and his experience edged out contenders Korbin Sims of Newcastle and Sydney Roosters enforcer Dylan Napa.

Meanwhile, Newcastle's Dane Gagai will make his Origin debut at Suncorp Stadium next week.

He slotted in at wing in a reshuffled backline after fullback Billy Slater's season-ending shoulder injury.

Greg Inglis moved to fullback with Will Chambers filling his centre vacancy and rookie Gagai on the wing.

Canberra Raiders winger Edrick Lee has been named 18th man.

Queensland's game three team: Greg Inglis, Darius Boyd, Will Chambers, Justin Hodges, Dane Gagai, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Matt Scott, Cameron Smith (capt), Nate Myles, Aidan Guerra, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker.