State Of Origin

Saifiti is tipped to make his Blues debut in game two, after coming in to replace the injured David Klemmer, but Meninga doesn’t think it is a like for like replacement.

“An inexperienced prop coming in to what is a must-win game, taking the place of a very experienced player in David Klemmer - I find that a bit strange,” Meninga said.

“I just think you need another experienced prop to start the game.’’

The shock selection of the 23-year-old Knights front-rower to replace one of the Blues best in game one is a risk.

A try-scoring double by man of the match Dane Gagai helped the Maroons overcome an 8-0 halftime deficit and a string of missed chances to draw first blood in front of 52,191 fans.

It was a dream start for Queensland's new Origin era as they look to reclaim the title.

And it was a pretty good look for polarising mind coach Bradley Charles Stubbs.

Ahead of his fourth campaign, Maroons coach Kevin Walters was looking for inspiration as his side began an Origin series without the last of their future Immortals, Billy Slater and Greg Inglis.

Walters named his team on Monday, including Daly Cherry-Evans - still recovering from ankle surgery - alongside three debutants for the June 5 opener in Brisbane.

Despite the presence of new names on the team sheet, the coach is determined that the Maroons will be ready to beat the Blues, expressing his confidence ahead of the game at Suncorp Stadium.

"I'm ready, we are ready. This is war," Walters said. "This Queensland team is going to be so well prepared for this match.

New South Wales star Frizell, Graham and Lafai were all hurt during a frantic first half in their side's NRL defeat to Cronulla Sharks.

Frizell went off with a head injury after a clash with Sharks winger Josh Dugan, although he was still selected by Blues head coach Brad Fittler's squad for the Origin clash in Brisbane on June 5.

Maroons coach Kevin Walters confirmed the additions of the four former Maroons as part of a "fresh approach" ahead of Queensland's 2019 campaign.

Hodges will join Camp Maroon as an assistant coach, while Civoniceva comes in as a team manager.

The recently retired duo of Thurston and Slater will be involved in a coaching and mentoring capacity throughout different stages of the series.

Together, the decorated Queensland quartet played an astonishing 125 State of Origin matches for the Maroons and are outstanding role models and community leaders.

The NRL's Dally M leader made the stunning pledge after leading Cronulla to their fifth straight win on Sunday, a 22-16 home triumph over Canterbury that vaulted the Sharks into fifth spot.

"If they can make it happen, I'm not just going to go out there - I'd play for free. I'll donate my money to charity. I don't really mind," Fifita told Triple M radio.

Fittler earlier said he wouldn't rule out selecting Fifita for game one of the series in Melbourne on June 6 despite the tearaway front-rower being unavailable for Origin II on June 24.

The in-form Manly skipper could have done little more to press his claims for the Maroons No.6 jersey left vacant by injuries to Johnathan Thurston and Anthony Milford, or potentially a bench utility role if incumbent Michael Morgan moves to the starting side to partner Cooper Cronk.

The third-placed Sea Eagles haven't lost since going down to Brisbane at Suncorp in Round 10 with Cherry-Evans the equal competition leader for try assists (15) and equal second for line-break assists (14).

Since the State of Origin period began the Cowboys have won five from seven, only losing to the Cronulla Sharks and Melbourne Storm in that time by four points and one point respectively.

The upturn in form coincided with the return of Lachlan Coote and Jake Granville in Round 10, while Michael Morgan stepped up to embrace his new leadership role in the absence of Johnathan Thurston.

Cherry-Evans has not added to his six Origin appearances since 2015 and the Sea Eagles captain's wait will extend to another year after he was snubbed in favour of debutant Ben Hunt for next week's game three against New South Wales in Brisbane.

The 28-year-old half-back's fine form at NRL level saw him emerge as a possible replacement for injured star Johnathan Thurston but Maroons head coach Kevin Walters turned to untried Broncos player Hunt for the do-or-die clash on July 12.

Thurston, who will retire from Maroons duty after this year's matches with New South Wales Blues, missed his first Origin match since 2004 last month - the veteran sidelined through injury as Laurie Daley's side recorded a comprehensive victory in Brisbane.

However, the Australia playmaker was back for game two in Sydney on Wednesday and held his nerve to land a decisive kick in the 78th minute, after Dane Gagai's second try had enabled Queensland to cancel out a 10-point half-time deficit.