QUEENSLAND greats Mal Meninga and Justin Hodges have urged Maroons coach Kevin Walters to pick Daly Cherry-Evans to replace Johnathan Thurston in the State of Origin decider.

Manly’s star halfback has been in irresistible form in the NRL, firing the Sea Eagles into the top four for the first time in three seasons.

Thurston suffered a season-ending shoulder injury before his matchwinning heroics in game two, giving Walters a major selection headache over who will partner Cooper Cronk in the halves, in one of the most anticipated clashes with NSW in many years.

media_camera Justin Hodges, Kevin Walters and Mal Meninga promoting Rugby League Double Header at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, and Rugby League World Cup.

“I think his combination with Cooper would be ideal,” Meninga told Fox Sports’ Queenslanders Only.

Cherry-Evans played six Origin matches between 2013 and 2015, but his performances at that level were criticised and questions have been raised over his relationship with senior Maroons players.

Meninga says his experience for Queensland should be considered a bonus. “He’s been there done that before,” Meninga said.

media_camera Is Daly Cherry-Evans (R) the man to replace Johnathan Thurston (L) for Queensland? Picture: Peter Wallis

“The way he’s playing at the Sea Eagles at the moment, he plays both sides of the field, he plays a sweep line at the back and he’s playing at the back like a six or a one.”

If Cherry-Evans returns from the Origin wilderness, Melbourne’s Cameron Munster would likely play in the centres in place of Darius Boyd (broken thumb), while Michael Morgan could again provide energy off the bench.

Hodges dismissed suggestions Cherry-Evans was too individually focused to slot into the Maroons’ starting side.

media_camera Mal Meninga backs Sam Thaiday to return for Origin III. Picture: Peter Wallis

“I think he has to be in the side,” Hodges said.

“He’s a guy that at stages has not performed at his best (in Origin). He’s playing some wonderful football at Manly.

“If I was Kevvie I’d just say ‘mate, just play the same game you play at Manly. I don’t expect you to do anything more or less, just continue what you’re doing’.” Meninga also backed dumped Brisbane forward Sam Thaiday to make a return for game three, saying his experience would be important.

“There’s a bit of a redemptive feature to Sam,” Meninga said. “We haven’t got John in the side now, we haven’t got Darius.” Queensland and NSW will name their teams on Monday.