State of Origin: DCE axing difficult decision - Meninga

Will Chambers of the Maroons is tackled by Daniel Tupou of the Blues during game one of the State of Origin series. Photo / Getty Images

Queensland coach Mal Meninga says Michael Morgan's versatility in a reshuffled Maroons backline forced them to make the "difficult" decision to cut Daly Cherry-Evans for league's State of Origin III in Brisbane.

Selectors could not find room for game two halfback Cherry-Evans in their 17 for Brisbane next Wednesday after the return of Maroons No7 Cooper Cronk from a knee injury.

North Queensland's 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 to the NSW Blues 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 to Brisbane for Queensland's team announcement yesterday.

Meninga said Morgan got the nod over Cherry-Evans because he covered more positions.

"It was a tough decision, obviously," Meninga said.

"We feel that at this point Michael is the best option; he plays more positions - simple as that.

"From a team perspective we thought Michael was the best option."

Morgan was seen as the ideal option for a new-look Queensland backline that will feature debutant Dane Gagai. Newcastle's Gagai slots into a backline reshuffled after fullback Billy Slater's season-ending shoulder injury.

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

Canberra giant Josh Papali'i 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 the Newcastle Knights, and Sydney Roosters enforcer Dylan Napa.

"Josh's experience got him over the line. He understands what Origin is all about," Meninga said.

And he dismissed concerns for wing Darius Boyd who suffered a groin complaint in Brisbane's NRL win over Newcastle last Friday night.

"It has settled down really well," Meninga said. "He will be right to train probably [on] Thursday."

Qld Origin III team
Greg Inglis, Darius Boyd, Will Chambers, Justin Hodges, Dane Gagai, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Matt Scott, Cameron Smith (c), Nate Myles, Aidan Guerra, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker.
Interchange: Michael Morgan, Josh Papali'i, Matt Gillett, Jacob Lillyman. 18th man: Edrick Lee.

- AAP