The Leader has run the rule over the teams for tonight’s first State of Origin clash in Melbourne.
NSW will include 11 debutants in their side including two St George Illawarra players – Jack de Belin and Paul Vaughan – with Tyson Frizell completing the Dragons’ trio.
Rookie coach Brad Fittler has pinned the Blues’ hopes on another rookie – 20-year-old Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary.
Queensland have endured a disrupted preparation losing Billy Slater to a hamstring injury, while Dane Gagai is expected to battle on after badly dislocating his finger at training on Tuesday.
Dragons halfback Ben Hunt will need to step up and lead the Maroons who are without usual suspects Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Darius Boyd, Matt Scott and Slater.
Valentine Holmes, Cronulla’s only Origin representative, has been named on the wing for Queensland.
