Cameron Smith will replace Darren Lockyer as Queensland captain as the Maroons seek a seventh consecutive State of Origin series success.
Melbourne Storm man handed Maroons armband
Cameron Smith will replace Darren Lockyer as Queensland captain as the Maroons seek an unprecedented seventh consecutive State of Origin series success.
The annual contest kicks off next week in Melbourne and it will be the first match following Lockyer's retirement in 2011.
Lockyer is Queensland's appearance record holder and the task of marshalling the team now falls in the hands of Smith.
The 28-year-old hooker has spent his entire career with the Melbourne Storm and Queensland coach Mal Meninga believes he has the experience to fill the vast void vacated by Lockyer.
Experience
"It's a new era. Cameron Smith is captain. And the side has a wealth of experience and we expect them to play to their potential," he commented.
Smith has been included in a forward pack by Meninga containing veteran prop Petero Civoniceva.
Rookie back rower Matt Gillett was included on the interchange bench, while Brent Tate was recalled onto the wing for his first Origin match since 2008.
As expected, Johnathan Thurston will shift out one spot to fill Lockyer's old position at five-eighth and Cooper Cronk has been named in the starting line-up at halfback for the series opener in Melbourne on May 23.
New South Wales coach Ricky Stuart named a 17-man squad on Sunday night, but delayed naming his starting line-up.
Manly full-back Brett Stewart was selected and is expected to make his first Origin start in four years and Robbie Farah was recalled at hooker.
Queensland: Billy Slater, Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis, Justin Hodges, Brent Tait, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk; Matt Scott, Cameron Smith (captain), Petero Civoniceva, Sam Thaiday, Nate Myles, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Dave Taylor, Ben Hannant, David Shillington
New South Wales (squad): Greg Bird, Jamie Buhrer, Todd Carney, Ben Creagh, Robbie Farah, Paul Gallen (captain), Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis, Trent Merrin, Josh Morris, Mitchell Pearce, Brett Stewart, Glenn Stewart, James Tamou, Tony Williams, Akila Uate
