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Cherry-Evans dumped by Queensland

Cronk's return is a significant boost for Queensland. Photo: Getty

Cronk's return is a significant boost for Queensland. Photo: Getty

Queensland have dropped Daly Cherry-Evans for their must-win State of Origin clash in Brisbane next Wednesday.

With the best-of-three-match series locked at 1-1, Queensland coach Mal Meninga could not find room for game two halfback Cherry-Evans in his squad 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’ 26-18 loss in Origin II.

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Cronk's return is a significant boost for Queensland. Photo: Getty

Cronk’s return is a significant boost for Queensland. Photo: Getty

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 big man Josh Papalii was named as the bench forward replacement for Broncos prop Josh McGuire, who injured his Achilles on Friday.

Papalii played the last of his three Origins in Game I 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 in the match.

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

Greg Inglis moves 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 III 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. Interchange: Michael Morgan, Josh Papalii, Matt Gillett, Jacob Lillyman. 18th man: Edrick Lee.

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