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It's another big moment for One New Zealand Warriors co-captain Mitchell Barnett as he eyes his first State of Origin start when New South Wales faces Queensland in tonight's series opener at Suncorp Stadium (10.05pm kick-off NZT).
It marks another significant chapter in the 31-year-old's late career surge which saw him in the Blues' squad throughout last year's series but having to wait until game three to make his Origin debut from the bench.
That was for the series decider at Suncorp Stadium where he helped the Blues to a 14-4 victory and then went on to make his Test debut for the Kangaroos.
Now he returns to the cauldron ready to mix it from the opening whistle as the Blues look to begin their series defence with a win in enemy territory.
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.
This 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 has an imposing record at their home ground and will be desperate to make a winning start in its 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.
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. When the squad was trimmed to 19 on Tuesday, Kurt Mann (18th man) and Jesse Arthars remained in the squad.
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 in Tuesday's 24-hour update with 18th man Campbell Graham and reserve Stefano Utoikamanu the men retained.
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.
