Dragons half in Hunt says Cronk

ROOSTERS superstar Cooper Cronk has anointed Anzac Day rival Ben Hunt as the halfback best placed to assume his Queensland Origin jersey.

On the eve of their first Allianz Stadium blockbuster, Cronk said Hunt’s outstanding start to life with St George Illawarra meant he was likely “already locked in” for the Origin opener on June 6.

“He’s doing a tremendous job with the Dragons and thoroughly deserves to be in the position he’s in,” Cronk said.

The retiring Maroons No.7 also tipped his Dragons rival – who played off the Maroons’ interchange bench in Origin III last year – to be joined by specialist five-eighths Michael Morgan and Cameron Munster.

“While I’m not a Queensland selector, history shows the side has been very loyal to its players,” he said.

“They haven’t changed too much from year to year, so I’m sure Ben Hunt (pictured), Michael Morgan and Cameron Munster will be the three ... but which way it plays I’m not sure.” — Nick Walshaw

Photo: AAP