Cherry-Evans confirmed as Queensland captain

Dale Cherry-Evans has been named as Queensland's captain ahead of the State of Origin opener next week.

The Manly Sea Eagles skipper is recovering from ankle surgery but was named in Kevin Walters' team on Monday.

Cherry-Evans was subsequently expected to be handed the role of captain in the absence of retired pair Greg Inglis and Billy Slater, who led the side last year.

And after Walters talked up Cherry-Evans involvement in the side, he was confirmed as the Maroons' 15th skipper at a dinner later on Monday.

The coach explained: "I know we've got a really strong relationship, a good coach-captain relationship, which, to me, is very important.

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the 15th @QLDmaroons captain... #QLDER #UnitedinMaroon pic.twitter.com/DYkIpZxqsN
— Queensland Maroons (@QLDmaroons) May 27, 2019

"He understands the game, he's got great experience. He's played in grand finals, he's played in Origins. He was a standout to lead this Maroons team onto Suncorp Stadium next week."

Cherry-Evans added: "It's a tremendous honour to captain this state.

"My immediate task is to make sure that as a group, we get our preparation right. I know we have the personnel here to do that and deliver a performance that everyone can be proud of next Wednesday."

The first of three fixtures against New South Wales comes in Brisbane on June 5.