Blues coach Laurie Daley has named Latrell Mitchell and Connor Watson in his side for men's State of Origin game one at Suncorp Stadium next week, while Billy Slater has named three debutants for Queensland following late injury headaches - including that of Selwyn Cobbo.
Daley, five-eighth in the Indigenous Team of the Century, told reporters on Monday morning he was filled with confidence from discussions with Mitchell - who starred in NSW's game two demolition last year on Origin return for the first time since 2021, with big series projections for the selected centre.
Watson has held onto his spot on the bench as a suspected utility after debuting in last year's series.
The Blues are searching for back-to-back series triumphs after reclaiming the shield from one-nil down with Daley replacing outgoing Blues coach Michael Maguire, having previously held the position between 2013-17.
His side aren't faced with the same injury concerns as their northern rivals - even afforded the luxury of leaving out NRL stars such as in-form prop Terrell May, experienced half Jarome Luai and former skipper James Tedesco.
Parramatta half Mitchell Moses has done enough to retain the no.6 jersey over Luai in the squad.
Slater was handed an additional late injury obstacle on Sunday.
Selwyn Cobbo won't feature for the Maroons after suffering a suspected wrist concern in the Broncos' loss to the Dragons, in addition to duel Samoa-Australia international Murray Taulagi, who went down with a calf at the weekend.
Despite undergoing plastic surgery on Sunday night for a mouth injury, Pat Carrigan has been named at lock in Queensland's squad.
The Maroons have included three debutants in Beau Fermor, Trent Loiero and shock call up Robert Toia.
Toia, 20, has played just 10 first grade games, but is a "world-class centre" in the eyes of the Maroons coach, Slater said on Monday morning.
Torres Strait star pair - 2023 player of the series Reuben Cotter and scoring weapon Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, are set to line up for the Maroons in Meanjin next Wednesday.
For the Blues, Mitchell has been named in his Origin-familar role after returning to centre at clubland for the first time in years with the Rabbitohs through the opening months of the 2025 season.
The 27-year-old was devastating on the left side on return for the Blue in game two last year, crossing for a try and setting up others in the 38-18 win to level the series at the MCG.
"When I spoke to him last night, it just gave me confidence, because the sound in his voice (was) very upbeat, and I'm sure that he'll be in for a big game," Daley said of Mitchell on Monday morning.
"I think that we all know what he's capable of doing, and obviously we're looking for Latrell to be Latrell, and in this environment he will be.
"We all know what an outstanding footy player he is. I'm just excited to be back working with him. I worked with him for a number of years in the Indigenous (All Stars) side.
"I think we'll get the best out of him."
Queensland host NSW at Suncorp Stadium in Meanjin/Brisbane on Wednesday, May 28.
Queensland Maroons squad
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Xavier Coates
3. Robert Toia (debut)
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Valentine Holmes
6. Cameron Munster
7. Daly Cherry-Evans (captain)
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Harry Grant
10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
11. Reuben Cotter
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Tom Dearden
15. Lindsay Collins
16. Beau Fermor (bebut)
17. Trent Loiero (debut)
18. Kurt Mann
19. Jesse Arthars
20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
NSW Blues squad
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Brian To'o
3. Stephen Crichton
4. Latrell Mitchell
5. Zac Lomax
6. Mitchell Moses
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Mitchell Barnett
9. Reece Robson
10. Payne Haas
11. Liam Martin
12. Angus Crichton
13. Isaah Yeo (c)
14. Connor Watson
15. Spencer Leniu
16. Hudson Young
17. Max King (debut)
18. Campbell Graham
19. Stefano Utoikama
20. Haumole Olakau'atu
