NRL Immortal Andrew Johns takes aim at Daly Cherry-Evans for 'cheap shot' in Origin series opener

Daly Cherry-Evans and the Maroons smashed New South Wales 38-10 in Origin I - but Blues legend Andrew Johns believes the Queensland skipper took a 'cheap shot' during the match.

DCE is looking to lead the Maroons to a fourth series win in five years after an excellent performance in Sydney.

But Johns believes it might be tougher for Cherry-Evans at the MCG on Wednesday night with Latrell Mitchell back in the Blues lineup.

He also took aim at the Queensland halfback over his treatment of Angus Crichton during the match.

'I actually saw a clip of a bit of cheap shot from Daly,' Johns told News Corp.

'He got Angus on the ground, so Angus don't cop that mate (in Origin II).'

The Blues legend thinks Cherry-Evans will have a tougher time with Latrell Mitchell this week.

'Daly is on top of his game, but good luck tackling Latrell,' Johns said. 

'Valentine Holmes is already talking it up saying he will get in Latrell's face so he is in their heads.

'The right side of Queensland is a target. The gap between DCE and Holmes, that space between the halfback and centre, that's where NSW will apply pressure with Angus, Latrell, Dylan Edwards and Jarome (Luai) floating around.

'That will be the spot they target, especially with Latrell.

'He is NSW's X-factor.'

Game two of the Origin series is at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 26.

NSW last won the interstate trophy in 2021 - where Mitchell featured in all three games.