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Queensland v NSW: Both sides unchanged for kick-off
The Westpac NSW Blues are preparing to travel into enemy territory as they look to begin their State of Origin series defence with a win over Queensland.
The Blues will return to Suncorp Stadium for the first time since a historic 14-4 victory in last year's decider, with their sights on another win at the famed venue.
New coach Laurie Daley has turned to many of the players who got the job done in 2024 as he looks to make a winning start to his second stint in charge.
Wednesday's match is the first series opener at Suncorp Stadium since 2019, an 18-14 victory for the Maroons. The Blues went on to claim that series after James Tedesco's memorable last-minute try in the decider at Accor Stadium.
While they fell in Game Three last year, Queensland have an imposing record at their home ground and they'll be desperate to make a winning start in their bid to reclaim the shield.
Cameron Munster is preparing to make his Origin return after missing all three games last year through injury and will partner with skipper Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves.
The veteran halfback is set to become the oldest player in State of Origin history, eclipsing former Maroons legend Petero Civoniceva when he takes to the field.
Match: Maroons v Blues
Game 1 -
home Team
Maroons
away Team
Blues
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Team News
Queensland: Coach Billy Slater has handed Roosters rookie Robert Toia an Origin debut after Murray Taulagi suffered a calf injury, with Val Holmes shifting to the wing as a result. Cameron Munster and Daly Cherry-Evans will combine in the halves and Tom Dearden has been named the bench utility. Patrick Carrigan will line up at lock, with Tino Fa'asuamaleaui at prop in his Origin return. Reuben Cotter will play his first game since Round 9 in his return from suspension. Slater resisted making changes when the side was finalised before kick-off. Kurt Mann is the 18th man.
New South Wales: Isaah Yeo is set to become the 22nd player to lead the Blues after being named NSW skipper in a squad featuring four of his Panthers teammates. Halfback Nathan Cleary is preparing for his first Origin match since Game One 2023 and will partner Mitchell Moses in the halves. Brian To'o and Zac Lomax each did enough to prove their fitness and will line up on the wing, with Stephen Crichton and Latrell Mitchell in the centres. Bulldogs forward Max King is set for his State of Origin debut off the bench. No changes before kick-off with Campbell Graham the 18th man.
Match: Maroons v Blues
Game 1 -
home Team
Maroons
away Team
Blues
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Maroons is number 1 Kalyn PongaFullback for Blues is number 1 Dylan Edwards
-
Winger for Maroons is number 2 Xavier CoatesWinger for Blues is number 2 Brian To'o
-
Centre for Maroons is number 3 Robert ToiaCentre for Blues is number 3 Stephen Crichton
-
Centre for Maroons is number 4 Hamiso Tabuai-FidowCentre for Blues is number 4 Latrell Mitchell
-
Winger for Maroons is number 5 Valentine HolmesWinger for Blues is number 5 Zac Lomax
-
Five-Eighth for Maroons is number 6 Cameron MunsterFive-Eighth for Blues is number 6 Mitchell Moses
-
Halfback for Maroons is number 7 Daly Cherry-EvansHalfback for Blues is number 7 Nathan Cleary
Forwards
-
Prop for Maroons is number 8 Moeaki FotuaikaProp for Blues is number 8 Mitchell Barnett
-
Hooker for Maroons is number 9 Harry GrantHooker for Blues is number 9 Reece Robson
-
Prop for Maroons is number 10 Tino Fa'asuamaleauiProp for Blues is number 10 Payne Haas
-
2nd Row for Maroons is number 11 Reuben Cotter2nd Row for Blues is number 11 Liam Martin
-
2nd Row for Maroons is number 12 Jeremiah Nanai2nd Row for Blues is number 12 Angus Crichton
-
Lock for Maroons is number 13 Patrick CarriganLock for Blues is number 13 Isaah Yeo
Interchange
-
Interchange for Maroons is number 14 Tom DeardenInterchange for Blues is number 14 Connor Watson
-
Interchange for Maroons is number 15 Lindsay CollinsInterchange for Blues is number 15 Spencer Leniu
-
Interchange for Maroons is number 16 Beau FermorInterchange for Blues is number 16 Hudson Young
-
Interchange for Maroons is number 17 Trent LoieroInterchange for Blues is number 17 Max King
Reserves
-
Replacement for Maroons is number 18 Kurt MannReplacement for Blues is number 18 Campbell Graham
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Touch Judge: Phil Henderson
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Maroons have won six of the last eight games at Suncorp Stadium.
- The Blues have not won back-to-back games at Suncorp since 1997-98
- The Maroons have won five of the last six series opening games.
- Halfback Nathan Cleary requires six points to become the second Blues player to score 100 Origin points.
- Maroons winger Valentine Holmes will play his 20th Origin match.
- Every Blues player has played over 100 NRL games.
- At 36 and 97 days, Maroons captain Daly Cherry-Evans becomes Origin’s oldest player
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
