Daly Cherry-Evans will end his State of Origin exile in Game III

IT’S official — Daly Cherry-Evans will end his long Origin exile after he was named at halfback for Game III. Queensland have also named a new look forward pack as they look to restore some pride.

QLD's Daly Cherry-Evans makes a break during game three of The State of Origin, Queensland vs. New South Wales (QLD NSW) at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane 2014. Pic: Josh Woning.

QUEENSLAND coach Kevin Walters says Daly Cherry-Evans’ experience has earned him the No. 7 jersey for the Maroons, ending his three-year exile in the Origin arena.

Walters confirmed that the Manly playmaker will wear the Maroons colours once again, after Ben Hunt was shifted to the bench.

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Hunt had paired with Cameron Munster in the halves for Games One and Two, but the series loss saw Walters and his selectors opt for more “leadership” in their spine.

Walters said the premiership-winning Cherry-Evans was the perfect fit for that role.

“We picked him for a reason. We want to win Game Three,” Walters said.

“That’s the sole reason why we have selected the 17 that we have. That’s our first priority is to win Game Three and start building with another eye on the future as well.

Daly Cherry-Evans will make his return to Origin. Picture: Josh Woning.

“If DCE can have a good performance, there’s no reason he can’t be back here next year.

“He’s a great experienced player and I think given our situation at the moment, he’s a premiership winner, he’s played Origin football, he’s played Test football.

“In Games One and Two we just lacked a little bit of leadership in those positions. I think he provides certainly all of that.”

Walters also denied suggestions Cherry-Evans has been on the outer with Queensland selectors over the past three years.

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“I’ve denied those rumours from day dot,” he said.

‘”The dealings I’ve had with him over the time … I don’t have a problem in any way and neither do our players. It’s very exciting for him.”

Cherry-Evans is not the only player recalled to the side, after in-form Broncos winger Corey Oates was handed back his spot following the loss of Greg Inglis to a broken thumb.

Dane Gagai has been shifted to centre to replace Inglis, with Oates on the wing in his first game since Origin I of last year’s series.

Billy Slater will also captain the side in his final game for Queensland.

FULL QUEENSLAND TEAM

1. Billy Slater (c) 2. Valentine Holmes 3. Dane Gagai 4. Will Chambers 5. Corey Oates

6. Cameron Munster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Jai Arrow 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Josh Papalii 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Felise Kaufusi 13, Josh McGuire 14. Ben Hunt 15. Jarrod Wallace 16. Coen Hess 17. Tim Glasby 18th man: Dylan Napa

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