Maroons name strong Origin squad for Game One

Queensland coach Billy Slater has named his 20-man squad for Game One of the 2024 Ampol State of Origin series to be played at Accor Stadium on Wednesday, June 5.

Eels forward J'maine Hopgood will make his debut for the Maroons after winning a spot on the bench ahead of incumbent Titans star David Fifita – the only debutant selected by coach Slater for the series opener.

He joins a versatile bench selected by Queensland alongside hooker Harry Grant, prop Moeaki Fotuaika and outside back Selwyn Cobbo, with Ben Hunt named to start at hooker and Cowboys forward Reuben Cotter shifting to the front row.

Jaydn Su'A has won a recall to the side for his first Origin game since 2021 after he was named to start in the back row alongside Jeremiah Nanai, while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will once again shift into the centres with Reece Walsh at fullback.

Suspended in the lead-up to last year's series before being overlooked, veteran Dolphins forward Felise Kaufusi returns to the squad as 18th Man while Broncos duo Ezra Mam and Brendan Piakura also join the side as cover.

The Maroons will begin their preparations in Brisbane before heading south to the Gold Coast for their traditional camp – heading to Sydney early next week as they look to clinch Game One in New South Wales territory for the fourth time in a row.