State of Origin 2017: Cameron Smith leaning towards Cameron Munster for Queensland halves

CAMERON Munster and Michael Morgan are locked in a duel to wear the Maroons No. 6 jersey, and skipper Cameron Smith has revealed his preference.

NRL Preliminary Final — Melbourne Storm v North Queensland Cowboys at AAMI Park, Cameron Munster tackled by Michael Morgan. 26th September 2015. Picture: Colleen Petch.

MAROONS captain Cameron Smith has anointed Storm teammate Cameron Munster as the man to replace Johnathan Thurston.

Queensland will have its first training session on Tuesday afternoon in Brisbane when coach Kevin Walters will run his eye over his five-eighth candidates for next Wednesday’s State of Origin decider.

Walters has to decide between Munster and Michael Morgan who will fill the No. 6 jersey vacated by the injured Thurston.

Queensland could boast an all-Melbourne spine.

But Smith is behind Munster forming an all-Melbourne playmaking combination with Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and himself.

“I’d probably lean towards Munster playing five-eighth given we do play with him every week,” he said.

“If Munster ends up being the six, it probably helps the cohesion of the footy side for this one game and help speed it up given we play together every week.

“Morgs is playing some great footy as well at the moment. We’ve played alongside Michael Morgan now for quite a few years. He’d slip in there pretty easily as well.”

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What is certain is Broncos halfback Ben Hunt will make his first Origin appearance from the bench.

Hunt was playing reserve grade last week after being axed by Wayne Bennett but will run out at Suncorp Stadium in the decider.

“It was one of the best calls I’ve ever gotten,” Hunt said of his selection.

“I just remember sitting at home, watching TV and Kevvie started calling. It was about 8 o’clock at night. I really wasn’t expecting it.

Will Walters lean on the existing combination.

“I thought if he going to call, it would have been a lot earlier in the day than that. It’s one of the best calls I’ve ever gotten on a Sunday, that’s for sure.

“It is most kids’ dreams when they play NRL. The next step to play is State of Origin.

“I was lucky enough to play for Australia a few years ago but the goal always for me was to play State of Origin. To get the opportunity now, I’m very grateful and excited.

“It’s been a pretty crazy month. With the highs and lows of rugby league, they’ve really kicked in over such a short time.”