Daly Cherry-Evans’ illustrious State of Origin career appears to be over, after Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater dropped the axe on his incumbent captain.
The 36-year-old, who has overseen three series triumphs and managed 26 caps for his state, has been replaced by Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden in the No.7 jumper.
Calls have grown since Queensland suffered an 18-6 game one series defeat for Cherry-Evans to vacate the jersey, with his side scoring just once in their past two matches – courtesy of a Blues error.
Game one debutant Beau Fermor, who managed just 17 minutes at Suncorp Stadium, has also not been retained, with bolters Ezra Mam and Jack Howarth called into the squad.
Veteran Kurt Capewell earned a recall on the back of his strong form for the Warriors, while Kurt Mann was expected to make his maiden appearance as the side’s utility.
But Cherry-Evans’ bombshell is the biggest move, making him the first Queensland captain dropped mid-series since Trevor Gillmeister.
Slater will not confirm his starting 17 until Tuesday.
Queensland Maroons squad
Kurt Capewell (New Zealand Warriors)
Patrick Carrigan (Brisbane Broncos)
Xavier Coates (Melbourne Storm)
Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters)
Reuben Cotter (North Queensland Cowboys)
Tom Dearden (North Queensland Cowboys)
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans)
Moeaki Fotuaika (Gold Coast Titans)
Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm)
Valentine Holmes (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Corey Horsburgh (Canberra Raiders)
Jack Howarth (Melbourne Storm)
Trent Loiero (Melbourne Storm)
Ezra Mam (Brisbane Broncos)
Kurt Mann (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm)
Jeremiah Nanai (North Queensland Cowboys)
Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights)
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (The Dolphins)
Robert Toia (Sydney Roosters)
More to come.
