Queensland captain Cameron Smith admits selectors may face a dilemma when Cooper Cronk returns from injury if replacement halfback Daly Cherry-Evans inspires a State of Origin II win on Wednesday night.

Smith admits Cherry-Evans faced a huge challenge stepping up for injured halfback Cronk at the MCG but has backed him to put his stamp on the Maroons No.7 jersey.

Meanwhile, Smith claimed Queensland were not fazed by NSW talking up the niggle ahead of game two, saying the Blues can “do whatever they want to upset our players”.

Smith also had a dig at NSW’s decision to spend the bulk of their lead-up in Coffs Harbour, saying “they chose not to come down and promote” the game.