Queensland captain Cameron Smith says he prefers debutant Cameron Munster as Maroons five-eighth and has dismissed rumours of a Daly Cherry-Evans rift ahead of next week’s State of Origin series decider in Brisbane.

North Queensland’s Michael Morgan had been expected to graduate from bench utility and take over from injured pivot Johnathan Thurston (shoulder) in July 12’s Origin III in Brisbane.

Queensland coach Kevin Walters said he had not decided who would wear the Maroons No.6 jersey after naming his game three team in alphabetical order on Monday.

However, Smith said he would opt for Melbourne teammate Munster over Morgan when Walters asked for his advice.

“Kevvie is keen to sit down with the senior players to get their thoughts on what should be our best line-up,” Smith said.

“I would probably lean towards Munster being six.

“Just given it’s his debut game, it’s a decider, and the easiest transition for him would be at six given he’s played all season there.”

Smith said Munster’s Storm connection with the Queensland spine would ensure a smooth Origin transition for the 22-year-old.

“If Munster plays six that is our (Melbourne’s) entire spine and we understand each other’s game quite closely,” Smith said.

“Morgs has played more in the centres than Munster has, but if it were to go the other way then Munster is more than capable of playing a good game of footy in the centres.”

That would put Munster on a collision course with wily NSW centre Josh Dugan.

But Smith believed Munster could handle the St George Illawarra strike weapon defensively.

“The physicality won’t worry him and to be honest the whole occasion won’t worry him,” he said.

Along with Munster, Brisbane halfback Ben Hunt will also make his debut after holding out Cherry-Evans for the bench utility spot.

The snub had been seen as further evidence that the form Manly playmaker was on the outer with Maroons.

Rumours had circulated that Cherry-Evans had fallen out with the Queensland hierarchy after his now infamous 2015 Gold Coast Titans backflip.

He played the last of his six Origins two years ago.

Walters tried to end the rumours on Monday, saying Cherry-Evans’ Origin career was “well and truly alive” despite again snubbing the Sea Eagles halfback.

Smith also backed Cherry-Evans’ future Origin chances on Tuesday, describing the rumours as “completely untrue”.

“He probably is quite unlucky to miss out on this team,” he said.

“I have heard those rumours. I don’t know who started them, it is completely untrue.

“Unfortunately he wasn’t the right fit for this team.

“I am sure if Daly continues to play the way he is he will have another Maroons jumper in his kit bag.”