Pearce, Hodkinson to be Blues halves: report

Roosters five-eighth James Maloney is set to be snubbed for a State of Origin recall with teammate Mitchell Pearce to wear the No.6 alongside halfback Trent Hodkinson for the State of Origin opener.

Laurie Daley is tipped to stay loyal to Hodkinson but Josh Reynolds will not survive with Pearce to play pivot when the side is announced on Tuesday, according to a News Limited report.

Pearce and Maloney scored a points decision over their Bulldogs rivals and NSW incumbents, Hodkinson and Reynolds, during the Roosters win over Canterbury on Friday night.

Hodkinson's effort, in particular, drew harsh criticism from Immortal Andrew Johns, who declared he should not be picked as he appeared to be carrying a leg injury.

However, it is understood Daley will stick with the Bulldogs No. 7 but jettison Reynolds in favour of Pearce.

Pearce lost his jersey to Hodkinson last year following his infamous nightclub incident on the eve of Game I ,but bounced back with career-best form late in 2014, which he has continued this year.

In his absence Hodkinson was solid, scoring a match-winning try in Game II as the Blues ended Queensland's eight-year winning streak with a 2-1 series win.

The move comes after Queensland's side for the May 27 series opener at ANZ Stadium was reportedly leaked late last week.

There were no real surprises in the Maroons side with coach Mal Meninga expected to stick with Darius Boyd on the wing, following his return for Brisbane from a ruptured achilles.

Manly half Daly Cherry-Evans will reportedly retain his bench spot, holding off in-form Cowboys five-eighth Michael Morgan, while Broncos prop Josh Maguire will earn a bench spot.

The two Origin sides will be officially announced at midday on Wednesday and streamed live on ninemsn.com.au.