Walters confirmed the Maroons No.7 jersey was Cherry-Evans' to lose after inspiring Queensland's 18-12 Origin III win in Brisbane in a fitting farewell for stand-in skipper Billy Slater.

It was a stunning return for Cherry-Evans, who had endured three years in the Origin wilderness amid speculation the polarising playmaker had fallen out with the Maroons.

But Walters reckons Cherry-Evans has just busted that myth.

"I think that will put to bed now all those myths and all the talking about what sort of person he is and secondly that he wasn't welcome in the Queensland set-up," he said.

"We saw the real DCE stand up."

After toasting his 31st and final Origin, Slater perhaps delivered Cherry-Evans the biggest compliment.

"I think that No.7 jersey is his for a long time to come," he said.

Cherry-Evans, 29, could not wipe the smile off his face when told of Slater's prediction.

"They're really special comments and I certainly have aspirations to be here long term," he said.

"I threw all my eggs into this basket.

"Obviously I'm aware of what's ahead for Queensland and the opportunity for the No.7 jersey but I couldn't be silly enough to look too far ahead.

"I've been away for a long time and I just really wanted to enjoy tonight."

Cherry-Evans was ever present as Queensland denied NSW's first series whitewash in 18 years.

He had a hand in winger Valentine Holmes' second try in the 51st minute before diving over for what became the match-winning four-pointer seven minutes later after a Cameron Munster bust.

"Walking back after scoring a try for Queensland, I got a pretty cool reception at the back end of the field there," Cherry-Evans said.

"(It) reminded me how special Origin is and how lucky I am to be a part of it."

The near sellout crowd rose to their feet as Cherry-Evans celebrated his try.

It was in stark contrast to the Suncorp Stadium crowd that booed him running out for Manly after his infamous 2015 Gold Coast Titans backflip.

Cherry-Evans was booed again by a small section of the crowd when his face flashed up on the big screen before kick-off on Wednesday night.

But by full-time all had been forgiven for Cherry-Evans.

"He is a great position now and he would have to be doing not quite so well next year to lose it (No.7 jersey) - it's his and we are thrilled for him," Walters said.

"He had to wait his time behind Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston, and when he did get his opportunity last time (2015) I don't think he was quite fit.

"(But) I could tell at the start of the week when I first sat down with him that he was going to put in a performance that, regardless of the result, he could hang his hat on."

Australian Associated Press