Corey Parker has left Ben Hunt out of his ideal Queensland team for the State of Origin opener.
The 35-year-old has been used as a bench utility for several series, but Parker believes that Cowboys gun Tom Dearden is the best choice for the role.
Dearden has had a strong start to the season in North Queensland, with the five-eighth scoring two tries and recording seven try assists across eight games.
Hunt, on the other hand, has bagged a pair of tries and notched two assists.
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Despite the latter's experience, Parker feels that Dearden's form is too hard to ignore.
"For the last 10 years or so, Ben Hunt has been the No. 14," he said on SEN.
"He's found his role there and can come in and do a job.
"Unfortunately ... at this point in time, I can't go past what we see from Tom Dearden.
"So Tom Dearden goes into that 14 role, which organically sort of happens (with playmakers)."
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Parker's team features several Maroons regulars, including a halves pairing of Cameron Munster and Daly Cherry-Evans.
He is also backing Kalyn Ponga for the No. 1 jersey following Reece Walsh's injury.
State of Origin: Predicted teams
- Click here for Sporting News' predicted Queensland team
- Click here for Sporting News' predicted NSW team