DALY Cherry-Evans and Anthony Milford have rocketed into the Queensland frame as Maroons hierarchy sweat on the ­fitness of champion pivot Johnathan Thurston for Origin I.

With the series opener just 24 days away, Thurston has sent a fresh scare through the Maroons, injuring his shoulder in Australia’s Anzac Test defeat of New Zealand on Friday night.

Maroons coach Kevin Walters faces a nervous wait after Thurston had scans on Saturday on an injury unrelated to the calf complaint he carried into the Anzac Test.

One report claimed Thurston would be sidelined for four to six weeks with a grade-two shoulder tear, a scenario that would rule him out of the Origin opener on May 31.

UPDATE: Johnathan Thurston had scans on his shoulder this morning. Results won't be known until Monday. — NQ Cowboys (@nthqldcowboys) May 6, 2017

Now Thurston injured...wow. — David Riccio (@DaveRic1) May 6, 2017

But Kangaroos physio Tony Ayoub told The Courier-Mail it was too early to provide a definitive diagnosis.

He described the next 24 to 48 hours as “crucial”.

Thurston’s injury would be a crushing blow for the Maroons, who have already lost chief prop Matt Scott and centre Greg Inglis to knee injuries.

Walters was exploring a contingency plan, revealing in-form Manly playmaker Cherry-Evans and Broncos sensation Milford could answer an SOS.

“I haven’t even thought of a Plan B to replace ‘Thursto’, so if he’s out, I’ll have to sit down with the selectors,” Walters said of Thurston’s latest setback.

“We have some options. Michael Morgan has been part of our system, but I’ve also been impressed with ‘DCE’ (Cherry-Evans), he’s started before in an Origin game and his form this season has been outstanding.

media_camera Jonathan Thurston suffered a shoulder injury in the ANZAC Test.

“Anthony Milford will also come into the mix. If JT isn’t available, I’ll be looking at all of them and this could be their chance to step forward.

“JT is one of our champions and it would be a huge blow to lose him. Fingers crossed JT is OK, we certainly can’t afford too many more injuries.”

Thurston flew home to Townsville on Saturday after having scans in Canberra. The Maroons ace has played a record 36 consecutive Origin games and will do everything possible to ensure his farewell series is not marred by injury.

Australian medico Ayoub says claims of a grade-two tear are premature.

“I think it’s jumping the gun to say he will miss six weeks,” Ayoub said.

“Depending on the severity of the injury, if he gets the right treatment, he could certainly be available for Origin I. The next 24 to 48 hours are crucial.”