Tom Dearden has declared he is the man to spearhead a State of Origin boilover and fill the void left by axed Queensland champion Daly Cherry-Evans.

Maroons coach Billy Slater dropped a bombshell when he left his skipper out of his game-two side, entrusting his attack to a man who made his name as a five-eighth, and has just three caps at halfback this year.

It marks the biggest of several changes Slater has made in a bid to save the series and avoid losing back-to-back campaigns, in what could define his coaching career.

Tom Dearden will replace Daly Cherry-Evans as Queensland halfback.Credit: Getty Images

There is an argument that while Dearden possesses one of the most lethal running games among halves in the NRL, his kicking game does not compare to that of Cherry-Evans.

But the 24-year-old was adamant he had the tools and mettle to thrive in his new role.

“I’ve been pretty lucky over the last few years to be able to learn from Daly, and you know how important he has been for this Queensland team and for our state. I’ll speak to him as it gets closer........

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