'Really? Wow' - Blues' surprise at Cherry-Evans axing

Nathan Cleary has admitted his surprise at Daly Cherry-Evans' State of Origin axing, with a NSW legend also questioning Queensland's famed pick-and-stick culture.

Cherry-Evans is the first captain from either state to be dropped mid-series this century, after paying the price for the Maroons' 18-6 series-opening loss.

It also marks the first time Queensland have dropped a first-choice halfback for a live rubber since Paul Green made way for Allan Langer's famous 2001 return.

Told on Sunday night of Cherry-Evans' impending omission ahead of next week's clash in Perth, NSW halfback Cleary revealed he did not expect the Maroons to drop their captain.

"Really? Wow," Cleary responded when told by reporters.

"I wasn't really expecting it. It's interesting. Daly's been an outstanding Origin player for such a long time.

"Obviously (selected Maroons halfback) Tommy Dearden's a great player too, so it's one of those things.

"I wasn't sure what they were going to do. I wasn't really thinking about it too much, but Daly is the captain."

Cleary's NSW and Penrith teammate Liam Martin also indicated surprise.

"It's their call," Martin said.

"Obviously they were disappointed with the first game. That's Billy's call, it's what they think is right for the team.

"But we've just got to respond to that now."

The Panthers' comments came after former NSW halfback and coach Ricky Stuart took a subtle dig at the Maroons over Cherry-Evans' omission.

Speaking before the side became official but with reports already swirling about Cherry-Evans' being dropped, Stuart said Queensland would be breaking from their culture to drop the No.7.

The Maroons became famous for their "pick-and-stick" approach through their 11-year dynasty that netted 10 series wins, with Stuart the opposing Blues coach in two of those.

"Queensland have got this culture of they pick and stick," Stuart said after Canberra's win over South Sydney on Sunday.

"They've got this culture that they talk about in regards to, you know, hanging tough in tough times.

"So I think that Cherry-Evans will keep his position unless they're going to break their culture.

"(Otherwise) they're going to break their attitude in regards to what they've been promoting for so many years."