Cherry-Evans to replace Cronk in Maroons side for Origin

Controversial Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans will replace the injured Cooper Cronk in Queensland’s only change for Game Two of State of Origin.

Cronk, who secured the Maroons’ win in the series opener with a late field goal, damaged the meniscus in his knee during the Melbourne Storm’s 20-0 win over Penrith on Saturday.

Maroons coach Mal Meninga bristled at suggestions Cherry-Evans’ drawn-out contact saga would hurt his performance for his state.

Cherry-Evans announced last week he would backflip on a five-year deal to join the Gold Coast Titans from 2016 to remain a Sea Eagles player for life on a lucrative contract.

“He’s been there and done that before,” Meninga said.

“He’s got good experience, he’s been around the team for a number of years.

“We’re confident he’ll get the job done.”

Cherry-Evans beat Bronco’s halfback Ben Hunt for Cronk’s spot and will receive support from Cowboys ace Michael Morgan from the bench.

Meninga expressed his disappointment for Storm halfback Cronk.

“You don’t get the opportunity often in rugby league to play at stadiums like the MCG,” he said.

Josh Papalii, Dane Gagai, Korbin Sims have joined the extended squad as injury cover.

The Maroons took Game One with an 11-10 win over an error-prone Blues at ANZ stadium two weeks ago.

Earlier, the Blues confirmed captain Paul Gallen would return to the side for game two.

His return shifted Josh Jackson to the bench and Cronulla forward Andrew Fifita was left out of the side.

Winger Brett Morris replaced Daniel Tupou, while the Blues said hooker Robbie Farah would take his place after suffering a shoulder injury in the series opener.

“Robbie will train on Wednesday with the rest of the group,” coach Laurie Daley said.

“It’s pretty important to go into an Origin preparation with training under your belt and Rob’s an experienced campaigner.”

The Blues will spend the week in training in Coffs Harbour in the lead-up to the clash.

TEAMS:

QUEENSLAND

1. Billy Slater, 2. Darius Boyd, 3. Greg Inglis, 4. Justin Hodges, 5. Will Chambers, 6. Johnathan Thurston, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Matt Scott, 9. Cameron Smith, 10. Nate Myles, 11. Aidan Guerra, 12. Sam Thaiday, 13. Corey Parker

Bench: 14. Michael Morgan, 15. Josh Maguire, 16. Matt Gillett, 17. Jacob Lillyman

NSW

1. Josh Dugan, 2. Brett Morris, 3. Michael Jennings, 4. Josh Morris, 5. Will Hopoate, 6. Mitchell Pearce, 7. Trent Hodkinson, 8. James Tamou, 9. Robbie Farah, 10. Aaron Woods, 11. Beau Scott, 12. Ryan Hoffman, 13. Paul Gallen

Bench: 14. Josh Jackson, 15. Trent Merrin, 16. Boyd Cordner, 17. David Klemmer