Instead of popular choice Cameron Munster, Cooper Cronk wants Michael Morgan to wear the Queensland No.6 jersey in State of Origin III.
The reason? He has seen Morgan grow as a player since being told some uncomfortable home truths since Kangaroos camp.
Maroons coach Kevin Walters is believed to be leaning toward debutant Munster replacing five-eighth Johnathan Thurston (shoulder) for July 12's Origin III at Suncorp Stadium after the 22-year-old received a ringing endorsement from Queensland skipper Cameron Smith.
Cronk has a differing opinion after spending time with Morgan in Kangaroos camp.
"Morgs is quite a reserved, he's a shy and humble kid from Queensland and for him to step up and be the halfback, you need to be dominant," Cronk said.
"Basically I just said 'you're one of the best 17 players in this country. When you go back (to the NRL) ask for the responsibility and do that'.
"To his credit he's gone back and done that. He's apparently had a conversation with (Cowboys coach) Paul Green and his game has risen with the responsibility he's been given.
"Now that Cowboys team has Morgan's fingerprints all over it."
Walters argued Melbourne pivot Munster was the best fit as Queensland five-eighth because of his Storm connection with the Maroons spine of hooker Smith, halfback Cronk and fullback Billy Slater.
But Cronk said he would have "absolute faith" in Morgan as five-eighth after the regular Maroons bench utility added to his highlights reel by setting up a last gasp try to help seal Queensland's come from behind 18-16 Origin II win in Sydney.
"He set up North Queensland's grand final try (in 2015), he did it for the Maroons in the last game and for Australia numerous times - he can handle himself," Cronk said.
"I trust him to play five-eighth. There's no doubt whatever jersey he wears I have absolute faith in him."
Whoever misses out on five-eighth will replace Darius Boyd (thumb) at left centre.
Either way, Cronk believed their new No.6 could produce something special to rival the man they are replacing - future Immortal Thurston.
"There's no doubt Johnathan is one of the premier players in the game and we'll miss certain aspects that he brings to a football team," Cronk said.
"But on the flipside there's a percentage of the things that both Morgs and Munster can bring to a football team that John can't.
"Hopefully it brings another dimension to our attack on Wednesday night."
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