Blues bank on 31-year first to help conquer Suncorp

Queensland will still enter Suncorp Stadium as the most experienced side, thanks largely to veterans Daly Cherry-Evans, Cameron Munster and Valentine Holmes.

But while three players alone account for more than a third of the Maroons' 160 games, it is a distinct lack of inexperience the Blues will bank on.

Max King's selection as the sole debutant makes this year's series the first time the Blues have entered with only one untried rookie since David Barnhill in 1994.

NSW have also only made four changes from the side that won last year's decider in Brisbane, a far cry from the 10 that Michael Maguire opted for at the start of 2024.

"It just helps, particularly going up to Suncorp for the first game," captain Isaah Yeo said. 

"It helps that you've been there and experienced it. It's the most wonderful stadium to play in, particularly for Origin because it's so loud. 

"And when you've had success as a group that helps for later series. Off the back of last year's result, we have most the boys back.

"But now we've got to go and action it as well."

Also playing into the Blues' hands is a desire to embrace Suncorp, rather than be intimidated by it.

Of NSW's 17 players, only King and Hudson Young have not won at Suncorp Stadium before.

The Blues' core group tasted success there in 2021 and in last year's decider, while NSW also remain undefeated in Perth where they will play Origin II.

"I probably never found Suncorp intimidating, I just thrived on it," Blues second-rower and pantomime villain Liam Martin said.

"That hostile environment, it's incredible. There is nothing like it, and when you run out to 50,000 people booing, it's pretty special.

"When I ran out for my debut in Origin it was in Townsville and there were about 20 NSW fans there. It was nuts.

"That was my introduction to Origin. As soon as I ran on the field I was like 'I love this'. I never thought about shying away from it."