MELBOURNE - Queensland will start overwhelming favourites for tonight's State of Origin opener against NSW at Etihad Stadium as the Maroons seek a record fourth consecutive series title.
The Maroons welcome skipper Darren Lockyer back into the side which won last year's series 2-1, with test centre Justin Hodges also
returning from injury to bolster a team that boasts 10 incumbent Australian stars.
NSW meanwhile will field a young side filled with seven rookies and skipper Kurt Gidley as the most inexperienced NSW captain in 20 years.
For the first time in recent memory the Blues will enter the contest as true underdogs, with Maroons coach Mal Meninga finally accepting the fact Queensland have the favouritism tag well and truly attached to their rampant side after three series wins in a row.
"It's a challenge having the favourites tag," said Meninga.
"I always say that Origin is about what's between the ears and your mental preparation and mental toughness. Both sides have skilful players and players in form.
"It will come down to desire and commitment.
"I know they are going to go out there and play well. " Changes are anticipated for both starting sides with Meninga expected to again start test fullback Billy Slater on the bench in favour of Brisbane's Karmichael Hunt.
Nate Myles may also come in for Ashley Harrison in the back row.
NSW have their own selection aces up their sleeve with Bellamy refusing to give any hint on who'll start in his forward pack.
The loss of Paul Gallen to a shoulder injury last Saturday has left a hole at lock that is expected to be filled by second-rower Luke O'Donnell.
Test forward Anthony Laffranchi is Gallen's late replacement and could start, while there is the temptation to throw rookie front rowers Justin Poore and Michael Weyman into the run on side and move test prop Brent Kite onto the bench.
"We basically know what we're doing and we'll keep that (to ourselves) until the game," said Bellamy.
"We don't want to make it public yet. You'll know an hour before the game.
"It doesn't particularly worry us who they start with. We have plans in place for when Billy is there and when Karmichael is there. Whatever they start the game with doesn't particularly concern us."
Neither coach will reveal their hand just yet and won't confirm their sides until one hour before kick off.
Queensland
Billy Slater, Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis, Justin Hodges, Israel Folau, Darren Lockyer (captain), Johnathan Thurston, Steve Price, Cameron Smith, Petero Civoniceva, Ashley Harrison, Sam Thaiday, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Karmichael Hunt, Ben Hannant, Nate Myles, Michael Crocker.
New South Wales
Kurt Gidley (captain), Jarryd Hayne, Jamie Lyon, Michael Jennings, James McManus, Terry Campese, Peter Wallace, Brent Kite, Robbie Farah, Luke Bailey, Ben Creagh, Luke O'Donnell, Anthony Laffranchi. Interchange: Craig Wing, Justin Poore, Luke Lewis, Michael Weyman.
Referees: Tony Archer, Shayne Hayne.
Odds (TAB Sportsbet Australia):
Queensland $1.50, NSW $2.50.
Last five series results:
2008: Queensland 2-1.
2007: Queensland 2-1.
2006: Queensland 2-1.
2005: NSW 2-1.
2004: NSW 2-1.
- AAP
Darren Lockyer will captain Queensland tonight after missing last year's series through injury. Photo / Getty Images
MELBOURNE - Queensland will start overwhelming favourites for tonight's State of Origin opener against NSW at Etihad Stadium as the Maroons seek a record fourth consecutive series title.
The Maroons welcome skipper Darren Lockyer back into the side which won last year's series 2-1, with test centre Justin Hodges also
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