The 2023 State of Origin series opener is here and rugby league fans are waiting in anticipation for kick-off.

Game I will take place at the Adelaide Oval, with New South Wales hosting their Queensland rivals.

Maroons coach Billy Slater dropped several selection bombshells, but none bigger than Kalyn Ponga’s shock fullback axing in place of Reece Walsh.

It has also been confirmed Ben Hunt will start at hooker, with Harry Grant playing as the utility off the bench.

Slater made a late change to his pack with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui moving into the starting side with Thomas Flegler shifting to the bench.

Meanwhile, NSW coach Brad Fittler also named three debutants and all three have announced their roles.

Both Tevita Pangai Junior and Hudson Young declared they will start in their Origin debuts, while Nicho Hynes is set to come on off the bench.

TEAMS

 

NSW BLUES

1. James Tedesco (c)

2. Brian To’o

3. Stephen Crichton

4. Tom Trbojevic

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Jarome Luai

7. Nathan Cleary

8. Tevita Pangai Junior

9. Apisai Koroisau

10. Payne Haas

11. Tyson Frizell

12. Hudson Young

13. Isaah Yeo

14. Junior Paulo

15. Cameron Murray

16. Liam Martin

17. Nicho Hynes

18. Matt Burton

19. Stefano Utoikamanu

QLD MAROONS

1. Reece Walsh

2. Selwyn Cobbo

3. Valentine Holmes

4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

5. Murray Taulagi

6. Cameron Munster

7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c)

15. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

9. Ben Hunt

16. Reuben Cotter

11. Tom Gilbert

12. David Fifita

13. Patrick Carrigan

14. Harry Grant

8. Thomas Flegler

10. Lindsay Collins

17. Jai Arrow

18. Tom Dearden

19. Christian Welch

Return here for confirmed teams at 7:05pm AEDT!

MATCH OFFICIALS FOR GAME I

Referee — Ashley Klein

Review Official — Grant Atkins

Touch Judges — Drew Oultram and Phil Henderson

Standby Referee — Gerard Sutton

Standby Touch Judge — Liam Kennedy