Queensland coach Billy Slater has retained a host of Indigenous stars and made one shock omission from his Maroons side chasing three-straight Origin series wins to start their 2024 charge next Wednesday.

Last year's Wally Lewis Medal winner for player of the series Reuben Cotter, top try-scorer Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, and NRL young gun Reece Walsh - coming off his first year representing the state - slot into the named starting 13.

Debutant and Indigenous All Stars representative J'maine Hopgood and Selwyn Cobbo have also received plaudits from Slater at his Monday press conference after earning their place on the Queensland bench.

Slater said the Maroons will invest some time into planning where Cobbo fits into their tactics ahead of their run at a three-peat following an impressive start to his Origin career in across the last two series.

"Four of the last six Origin games, we've had to replace an outside back. So (he is) certainly a bit of cover, but at the same time Selwyn can play various positions. We might even create one for him," Slater said.

Cobbo's recent shift inboard to centre from the wing at the Broncos has sparked recent conversations where he's best suited to pull on the Maroons jumper.

"He's a wonderful player, and we've only seen the surface of what Selwyn can do and I'm really excited to have him back in the team," Slater said.

For Eels lock Hopgood, Slater commended the 25-year-old's commitment to honing his craft at Penrith before breakout with Parramatta starting last season.

Slater also rebuked suggestions his 'high work rate' style would be misplaced from coming off the bench, and briefly entertained the idea of slotting into the starting side in Sydney next week.

"He (Hopgood) earned his way into the camp last year in game three and that wasn't just for an experience," he said.

"When you're one of those players you're held in a regard that if you were wearing a Maroon jersey I think Queensland would be pretty proud.

"I'm looking forward to seeing J'maine go out there and represent his state."

There was a similar message sent to Broncos half Ezra Mam after the 21-year-old was edged out for the no.6 jumper vacated by injured Origin regular Cameron Munster - who will miss the entire series with a groin injury, by Cowboys five-eight and one-time Maroon Tom Dearden.

Mam has been named in the extended squad.

"When you're a part of the squad, it means that you're playing to the standard that this footy team created. And this footy team has created a really high standard," Slater said.

The Maroons have also made the shock axing of Titans forward David Fifita, who went unpicked after playing all three games in 2023.

Fifita starred in Gold Coasts upset win over the Broncos at the weekend and was right for selection after passing a HIA test, according to Titans coach Des Hasler.

"David created a really high standard for his footy last year, he just hasn't quite got to that standard this year," Slater said.

Slated said Fifita was understandably disappointed by news he wouldn't feature in game one, but remained confident of a future call up for the 24-year-old.

"I've got no doubt that Dave will get back to the footy that he played last year and I'm sure that he'll play in a Maroons jersey in the future again," he said.

The Blues named their side, including Cronulla half Nicho Hynes at halfback, on Sunday evening.

New South Wales host Queensland for the series opener at Accord Stadium next Wednesday.