How the Maroons halves candidates stack up

HOW THE CONTENDERS FOR THE QUEENSLAND ORIGIN HALVES SPOT STACK UP IN 2017:

DALY CHERRY-EVANS

Considered the frontrunner to replace Johnathan Thurston should his injured shoulder not recover in time. Has previously failed to fire in his six Maroon appearances from 2013-15 but is in superb touch to have Manly humming.

* Games: 9

* Tries: 1

* Goal-kicking: 0/1

* Try assists: 9

* Line breaks: 1

* Line break assists: 6

ANTHONY MILFORD

Considered the heir apparent and coach Kevin Walters may be tempted to blood him with Thurston to retire from rep duties after this year and Cooper Cronk considering hanging up the boots. Has been patchy and affected by contract talks but with his future sorted will look to fire.

* Games: 9

* Tries: 2

* Goal-kicking: 8/11

* Try assists: 4

* Line breaks: 4

* Line break assists: 4

COREY NORMAN

Sat out for eight weeks for a litany of offences last year and may be viewed as bruised fruit by a team which prides itself on its values. Has almost single-handedly won Parramatta several games over the last year and a half.

* Games: 8

* Tries: 3

* Goal-kicking: 0/0

* Try assists: 4

* Line breaks: 5

* Line break assists: 2