One of Queensland’s greatest ever halfbacks Allan Langer says the Maroons can fill the void left by Johnathan Thurston if the future Immortal doesn’t return in time from a shoulder injury sustained in Australia’s win over New Zealand.

Thurston has played 36 straight State of Origins but is in serious danger of missing Origin I at Suncorp Stadium on May 31.

Langer singled out Daly Cherry-Evans and Anthony Milford as candidates to partner Cooper Cronk in the halves against New South Wales.

“Cherry-Evans is playing very well for the Manly boys at the moment and has been part of the system before,” Langer said.

“Milford will be in the mix as well. Cronk will do his job and you only need another bloke to run off him.

“It’s hard to replace a bloke of his capabilities, he hasn’t missed one (State of Origin).”

Queensland will be without veteran prop Matt Scott who is also out with injury.