Daly Cherry-Evans makes more than a tackle a minute in State of Origin debut for Queensland

IN AN amazing effort, regular halfback Daly Cherry-Evans made more than a tackle a minute in his State of Origin and backrow debut.

IN AN amazing effort, regular halfback Daly Cherry-Evans made more than a tackle a minute in his State of Origin and backrow debut.

Cherry-Evans said years of studying each role in a rugby league team made his inaugural first-grade game at lock smoother than expected as Queensland squared the series.

His impressive performance could see him receive even more time for Queensland in Wednesday night's Origin decider at ANZ Stadium.

Replacing Corey Parker after 20 minutes of Origin II, the Manly playmaker took hit-ups like a prop and hunted down forwards like a lock, racking up 26 tackles in 23 minutes.

"In your first game you don't want it to slide past because next thing you know you haven't done anything," he said.

"Statistically, I was pretty busy and it definitely felt that way because my lungs were burning, but that's the role I have been given in this side and hopefully I can get close to those minutes in the next game.

ORIGIN HATE SPILLS INTO TEST SIDE

"As a halfback you need to know everyone's role in the team. It is part of your job controlling what is going on so when I went on as a middle backrower I knew my role and what I had to do to help the team.

"It was an easier transition than I thought.

"I have only been pigeon-holed as a halfback and I thank Mal for giving me the opportunity for backing me and my ability to play elsewhere.

"Hopefully I repaid him and can continue to in coming games."

Cherry-Evans confirmed just how enormous this decider will be stating there was "more at stake" than his 2011 grand final with the Sea Eagles.

Daly Cherry-Evans

"This is definitely bigger than a grand final as far as build-up," he said.

"This is such a long reign by the Queensland side there is more at stake."

Queensland will again target misfiring Blues rookie James Maloney whose defence last game was so poor his coach Laurie Daley held a special meeting with him to address the issue.

Maloney was exposed by Queensland in Origin II, missing a game high five tackles including a vital miss that allowed Sam Thaiday to score.

Maroons five-eighth Johnathan Thurston said he enjoyed repaying the favour after he was targeted by the Blues in Game One.

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"If you look at Game One that was their tactic against me so it was good to get one back on them," Thurston said.

"Hopefully it all goes to plan again on Wednesday night.

"When you are playing in the halves you get targeted. You try and wear each other down.

"I know they will be sending traffic my way and hopefully we send some their way."