In a big blow for the NSW Blues, incumbent Queensland No. 7 Daly Cherry-Evans has boldly declared: "I'll be fit for game one."

The Manly and likely new Maroons skipper underwent ankle surgery on Tuesday and since moved in with his in-laws to give himself every chance to recover without running the risk of an accidental injury setback inflicted by one of his three young daughters.

Comeback trail: Daly Cherry-Evans went under the knife on Tuesday, but expects to be back for Origin I. Credit:NRL Photos

Cherry-Evans hopes to return for the round-11 clash against the Gold Coast Titans - the final NRL game before Origin teams are picked for the May 29 opener - but will more than back himself to go into the first-up Suncorp Stadium clash without another game.

The 30-year-old Queensland and Kangaroos halfback incumbent said he could have returned for Manly as early as next weekend had he avoided "tightrope surgery" on his right ankle, but wanted to make sure he was as stable as possible when he returned.