Daly Cherry-Evans has reportedly kept media guessing over his Queensland selection for a must-win State of Origin III decider on July 8.

News Corp Australia reported the Manly playmaker attended a Sea Eagles corporate golf day rather than fly out to Brisbane for Queensland’s team announcement on Monday.

It has sparked speculation Cherry-Evans has been pipped for the bench utility role by North Queensland playmaker Michael Morgan.

Queensland are set to pick Cooper Cronk despite the halfback not playing since being ruled out of the Maroons’ 26-18 game two loss due to a knee injury.

Cronk’s return was set to move Origin II halfback Cherry-Evans to the bench at Morgan’s expense, before his golf day sighting on Monday.

Canberra giant Josh Papalii is expected to be named as bench forward Josh McGuire’s replacement.

He played the last of his three Origins in game one last year and his experience is set to edge out contenders Korbin Sims of Newcastle and Sydney Roosters enforcer Dylan Napa.

Meanwhile, Newcastle’s Dane Gagai is set to make his Origin debut.

He is expected to slot in at wing in a backline reshuffled after fullback Billy Slater’s season-ending shoulder injury.

Greg Inglis is set to move to fullback with Will Chambers filling his centre vacancy and rookie Gagai on the wing.

QRL chairman Peter Betros will name the game three team from 1600 AEST.

Queensland will travel to Proserpine for a fan’s day on Tuesday before settling into their Gold Coast camp on Wednesday.