Brisbane officials are so confident they will snare Daly Cherry-Evans on a $1.1 million per annum deal from 2016 that they haven't even opened negotiations with incumbent halfback Ben Hunt.

Hunt is poised to make his State of Origin debut for Queensland if Cherry-Evans' knee injury doesn't recover in time for game II next Wednesday at ANZ Stadium. However, the Manly playmaker could well force him out of the Broncos after being offered a deal which would make him one of the highest-paid players in NRL history.

Target: Daly Cherry-Evans. Credit:Anthony Johnson

Both halfbacks are contracted to their respective clubs until the end of next year, but the Broncos have made an early move in their bid to prise Cherry-Evans out of Brookvale. The Sea Eagles view the 25-year-old as a future captain and are desperate to retain him, but won't be able to compete financially with Brisbane. Manly have opened talks with Cherry-Evans' management about an upgraded and extended deal but the Broncos believe they have sneaked under their guard. Cherry-Evans' father, Steve, has a close relationship with several Brisbane officials, including coach Anthony Griffin.

Should the Broncos get their man, the Redcliffe product could form a lethal halves pairing with Anthony Milford, who will make the switch from Canberra next year. The pair are seen as being capable of helping another recent signing, fullback Ben Barba, find his best form.