Queensland halfback Daly Cherry-Evans. Photo: Photosport
Queensland coach Billy Slater has confirmed his 20-man squad for the must-win clash, with Cherry-Evans missing from the side and Tom Dearden named at halfback.
Second-rower Beau Fermor has also been dropped, with Kurt Capewell returning to the side and Kurt Mann the new number 14.
Ezra Mam has also been named as a reserve as part of an extended squad, just three NRL games after his comeback from a drug-driving ban.
Former New South Walles coach Ricky Stuart has suggested Queensland has broken its pick-and-stick culture by dropping captain Cherry-Evans for State of Origin II, opting to play Dearden at number seven.
Canberra forward Corey Horsburgh and Melbourne centre Jack Howarth are expected to be the other reserves, after Queensland was beaten 18-6 in the series opener.
But it is the dropping of Cherry-Evans that has created shockwaves, with the halfback the first Maroons captain dropped mid-series in almost 30 years.
Speaking before the 36-year-old's non-selection was confirmed on Sunday, former Blues halfback and coach Stuart had a subtle dig at those north of the border.
"Queensland have got this culture of they pick and stick," the current Canberra coach said.
"They've got this culture that they talk about in regards to, you know, hanging tough in tough times.
"So I think that Cherry-Evans will keep his position unless they're going to break their culture.
"[Otherwise] they're going to break their attitude in regards to what they've been promoting for so many years."
The Maroons have long preached about a pick-and-stick culture, which was evident through their dynasty between 2006 and 2017.
Stuart coached NSW in two of those seasons, falling to series losses in 2011 and 2012.
Blues players were also surprised when told of Cherry-Evans's omission.
"It's their call," second-rower Liam Martin said.
"Obviously they were disappointed with the first game. That's Billy's call, it's what they think is right for the team. But we've just got to respond to that now."
North Queensland Cowboys Tom Dearden will replace Daly Cherry-Evans in the Queensland side for State of Origin ll. Photo: Photosport
Dearden has started in the halves four times previously for Queensland, after first partnering Cherry-Evans in the Maroons' 2022 series-decider success.
The 24-year-old played five-eighth for Australia in last year's Pacific Cup win, and has had an impressive start to 2025 with North Queensland.
Dearden has scored four tries for the Cowboys, set up 11 and created 16 line breaks, bettering Cherry-Evans's numbers at Manly in all categories.
Queensland squad for State of Origin ll: Kalyn Ponga, Xavier Coates, Robert Toia, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Valentine Holmes, Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Harry Grant, Moeaki Fotuaika, Reuben Cotter, Jeremiah Nanai, Pat Carrigan, Kurt Mann, Lindsay Collins, Kurt Capewell, Trent Loiero, Ezra Mam, Jack Howarth, Corey Horsburgh.
-ABC
