Billy Slater reveals call to 'disappointed' Cherry-Evans as Maroons make bombshell axing in 29-year first

Queensland coach Billy Slater called Daly Cherry-Evans on Sunday and told the "disappointed" captain his Maroons career was most likely over.

If Tom Dearden remains fit and available for selection, it is unlikely Cherry-Evans will play halfback for his state again.

Dearden has been parachuted into the No.7 jumper and will be tasked with leading the team to a series-saving victory in Perth on Wednesday week.

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Cherry-Evans' shock axing is the first time Queensland has dumped a skipper mid-series since 1996.

"Obviously Daly wanted to play and he was disappointed... but he took the news with great character and great respect, we had a good conversation. We have a great relationship," Slater told media on Monday.

"I don't take any decision lightly... we just feel Tom is the right person for the No.7 jersey right now.

"You won't hear a negative word from me about Daly Cherry-Evans. What he has done and what he's given this footy team, that will be with all Queenslanders and with Daly for the rest of his life.

"We feel Tom Dearden has earned the right to wear the jersey and we feel it's the right thing for the footy team."

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Slater named a 20-player squad on Monday and would not give any further indications as to the make-up of his final 17, which will be confirmed on Tuesday afternoon.

Kurt Mann is tipped to make his Origin debut and replace Dearden on the bench, while the other axing is backrower Beau Fermor.

He will likely be replaced in the team by Warriors edge forward Kurt Capewell.

Corey Horsburgh is in the squad and a chance of playing his second Origin game, while Ezra Mam and Jack Howarth are also outside chances of being brought into the team.

"We want to play to our players' strengths," Slater said.

"There are some areas in game one that we didn't get right, so changing the No.7 jersey and personnel there, that's not going to fix everything. We need to look at game one and perform better."

The Blues will name their team after Monday's NRL game between Canterbury and Parramatta.

MAROONS GAME TWO SQUAD

Kurt Capewell, Pat Carrigan, Xavier Coates, Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Mo Fotuaika, Harry Grant, Valentine Holmes, Corey Horsburgh, Jack Howarth, Trent Loiero, Ezra Mam, Kurt Mann, Cameron Munster, Jeremiah Nanai, Kalyn Ponga, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Robert Toia

LIKELY TEAM

1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Xavier Coates 3. Robert Toia 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tom Dearden 8. Mo Fotuaika 9. Harry Grant 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Pat Carrigan 14. Kurt Mann 15. Lindsay Collins 16. Reuben Cotter 17. Trent Loiero