Queensland coach Billy Slater is keeping the Blues guessing ahead of State of Origin III in Brisbane on Wednesday night – confirming rookie Tom Dearden would wear the number 6 jersey left vacant by Cameron Munster but wouldn’t reveal whether the young North Queensland Cowboy would start the match.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday morning, Slater would not rule out starting Ben Hunt alongside skipper Daly Cherry-Evans.

On Monday, Cherry-Evans was just as evasive but did back Dearden to perform.

“He’s [Dearden] playing great footy with the Cowboys.. everyone watching him come through all saw the ability that he had,” the halfback said.

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“It’s great to see him play like the way it is and Tommy won’t skip a beat out there.

“The style of footy he plays [suits State of Origin], he’s brave, a good defender, a competitor, not going to let the game go by.”