Walters was forced to again deny suggestions at Wednesday's Origin launch that Smith would answer their hooking crisis in what would be a dramatic return.

Incumbent No.9 Andrew McCullough is out for two months with a knee injury, while second option Jake Friend is out for four months with ruptured biceps.

Their dire situation has left some south of the border, including former Blues coach Phil Gould, believing that Queensland's continued denials are a ruse.

"It adds to the theatre of Origin, I guess," Walters said.

"We've seen some great players over time come back - Alfie (Langer), and a couple of NSW players came back and turned the fortunes of their states.

"I can't see that happening. I'm sure the fortunes are going to turn this year, but it'll be from someone within, not Cameron Smith coming back and playing in Origin I."

Blues coach Brad Fittler said the possibility of Smith's comeback wouldn't play a factor in his team selection, which gets named on Sunday week.

And while he doesn't believe Smith would return, he conceded it was a shame arguably league's best player in history isn't playing at Origin level.

"It's a brilliant story for State of Origin. (But) there's a really good chance that he's not going to play, nor does he have anything to prove," Fittler said.

"But he's just such a great player. To have those great players playing for their club and not at this level, it's a bit of a shame.

"He's been possibly the best there ever was.

"It's a good thing for me that he stays in retirement."

Walters named North Queensland rake Jake Granville and St George Illawarra halfback Ben Hunt as options to step into the dummy-half role.

Granville came off the bench for the Cowboys last week, while Hunt has only started six games in his career at hooker.

"I feel that Jake Granville the last couple of weeks - I know he got a head knock on the weekend - but I feel he's been playing some good football," Walters said.

"And Ben Hunt is another one that we could possibly move into that position.

"Reed Mahoney is another No.9 that's playing for Parramatta, but I just feel at the moment, he hasn't played enough NRL.

"We wouldn't do that to him just yet but I feel long-term he could be a player that would wear the No.9 jersey for Queensland."

Walters also said he is confident incumbent halfback Daly Cherry-Evans would recover in time from an ankle injury to be selected.

Australian Associated Press