Crichton in, Maroons unchanged for Origin opener

But the Canterbury captain has proved his fitness and will play on Wednesday night as NSW begin their series defence.

Maroons coach Billy Slater hasn't tinkered with the line-up he named last week, Reuben Cotter listed to start in the second row in his first game since May 3 in his return from suspension.

Isaah Yeo will become the 22nd Blues captain after being named while his Penrith teammate Nathan Cleary will partner Mitchell Moses in the halves for the first time.