GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MAY 31: Ben Hunt and Andrew McCullough chat during a Queensland Maroons training session at Sanctuary Cove on May 31, 2018 at the Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
The 2018 State of Origin series is the most highly anticipated series in years, due to the huge amount of changes both sides have made. There are many players that are untested in the Origin arena so their performances could make or break their team.
Here are 10 players whose performances will have a say in the way Origin I is played.
The new Queensland captain Greg Inglis missed the entirety of the 2017 Origin series due to his ACL injury. The Maroons will be counting on Inglis to return to his deadly Origin best – a competition in which he has scored more tries than anyone else.
As far as utility players go, Tyrone Peachey is likely more adaptable than any other player in the NRL. His size, speed and skill could be instrumental for the Blues when he comes off the bench. Fittler will know that injecting Peachey into the match at the right time could be crucial for his side.
While many players are going to make their State of Origin debut in Game I, none will have bigger shoes to fill than Andrew McCullough. Replacing Cameron Smith at hooker will be a tough task, with exceptional defence and quality service a must.
One of the Blues' biggest strengths in recent years has been their many options for their back row positions. Blues captain Boyd Cordner has not been in the best form so far in 2018, however he has retained his position in the second row despite plenty of other quality options. Cordner will have to justify Fittler’s faith in him with a good all-round performance.
The decision to select James Roberts at centre is a risky move for the Blues, especially given the question marks around his defensive ability. While Roberts could cause plenty of headaches for the Maroons with his attack, he could do the same for the Blues in he plays poorly. Brad Fittler will be hoping that Roberts has a performance he can be proud of.
The Maroons are often outsized by the Blues in the forward pack so their biggest prop, Dylan Napa, has to stand up. Napa has shown his aggression in recent NRL games and Queensland will be hoping he brings the same fire to the series opener.
The task of running the Maroons team in 2018 has been handed to Ben Hunt, due to his strong season so far. This will be no easy task given the quality of the Blues, so Hunt cannot afford to make mistakes. Poor judgement from the Dragons halfback could cost Queensland dearly so Hunt must deliver a quality performance.
Damien Cook justified his selection in the New South Wales team with his incredible form across the opening rounds of the competition. Cook’s attacking ability out of dummy half is unmatched and he may just be the man to break the Maroons' defence with his speed.
At just 20 years of age, Nathan Cleary could be considered a risky selection. However it is clear that Cleary has the ability to win matches when he is on song, and this is exactly what the Blues are looking for. A strong performance from the young halfback is vital for New South Wales.
Cameron Munster showed he belongs at Origin level with his exceptional debut in Game III last year. The Maroons five-eighth could once again steal the show and the match with another terrific performance.