Sometimes the cryptic Cooper Cronk’s thoughts can be lost in translation.

Okay, it can happen a lot.

But the Queensland halfback’s message was clear when asked about his State of Origin understudy Daly Cherry-Evans: biding his time on the Maroons bench will only make him a better player.

The thought is almost as head spinning for rivals as Cronk’s now infamous recollection of his match-winning 2012 Origin game three effort.

Cronk will never regret his “every sinew in my body came together in one perfect whole” take on his field goal – or live it down.

But it has not made Cronk baulk at making more bold calls ahead of Wednesday night’s Origin opener in Brisbane – especially about young gun Cherry-Evans.

Critics believed the Manly halfback had already shown enough this season to have left veteran Cronk’s representative claims up in smoke let alone get his village fires burning.

However, weeks after relegating Cherry-Evans, 25, to Australia’s bench for the trans-Tasman Test, Cronk has again kept the Sea Eagles playmaker at bay by retaining the Maroons No.7 jersey for his 13th Origin.

And Cronk reckons the big winner will eventually be Cherry-Evans – and he should know.

Cronk, 31 this year, completed a similar representative internship during the Darren Lockyer reign – and came out the other end a more complete player.

“I took it as a benefit when I did it,” Cronk said.

“It made me a better footballer, no doubt about that.

“Made me defend better. Made me appreciate the work it takes to play in the middle of the ruck in Origin-type environments.

“And I’m sure he (Cherry-Evans) is taking the same approach to it.”

If not, Cherry-Evans better start because Cronk won’t be giving up the No.7 jersey for the reigning eight-time Origin champions any time soon.

Surprisingly Cronk is not looking over his shoulder despite Cherry-Evans’ scintillating form.

Then again, one of Cronk’s favourite sayings is: “dreams are like fish, they can slip through your fingers”.

“I encourage Daly to strive to play halfback for both Queensland and Australia but it doesn’t inspire me to work any harder than I already do,” Cronk said.

For now, Cherry-Evans seemed happy to gather splinters sitting on the Origin bench.

“I have said it before, I am quite content on where I am on the side, just to play a part is extra special for myself,” he said.

“It’s a special side. I embrace every opportunity I get to wear the Maroon jersey, no matter what role that may be.”