Queensland coach Kevin Walters claims rumours Daly Cherry-Evans has fallen out with the Maroons are hurting the playmaker more than his latest Origin snub.

The Manly half was a glaring omission when Walters named his squad for July 12's series decider in Brisbane which included debutants Ben Hunt and Cameron Munster on Monday.

It only seemed to fuel speculation that Cherry-Evans was on the outer with Maroons selectors over the Manly match-winner's now infamous Gold Coast Titans backflip in 2015.

But Walters slammed the rumours on Monday, claiming Cherry-Evans' Origin career was "well and truly alive".

He said Cherry-Evans, who played the last of his six Origins in 2015, told him the speculation that had plagued him for the past two years stung more than his surprise game three omission.

"I rang this morning actually just to make sure he's OK and (explain) the reasons why we have not selected him," Walters said.

"He was very understanding but obviously disappointed.

"But the thing that disappointed him more was all the rumours around him not being accepted in this group.

"These rumours and nonsense, this hogwash about him not fitting into the Maroons set-up couldn't be further from the truth. I just want to put that to bed.

"DCE's Origin career is well and truly alive."

Walters took aim at the media for perpetuating the Cherry-Evans speculation.

"He (Cherry-Evans) was most disappointed with the media and what has been a pretty personal attack on him, saying that certain members of this team and the Queensland Rugby League don't accept him," Walters said.

"He said that this morning and I agree with him.

"It's ridiculous that someone would start those rumours when they have no truth whatsoever.

"When you wear the Maroons jumper you are part of a great team and a great family. He has worn that jumper extremely well in the past and if he keeps playing the way he is, he will wear it again next year."

Walters said he and fellow Maroons selectors Gene Miles and Darren Lockyer opted for Hunt on the bench over Cherry-Evans because of the Broncos' greater utility value.

North Queensland's Michael Morgan looks set to replace Johnathan Thurston (shoulder) at five-eighth with Melbourne playmaker Munster in the centres for Darius Boyd (thumb).

Walters said he would make a final decision on who would wear No.6 at their Origin camp on the Gold Coast this week.

Morgan has played his first seven Origins off the bench.