No Cooper Cronk, Johnathan Thurston, Cameron Smith and Billy Slater for the State of Origin Game 1 tonight.

This has got the Queensland Maroons claiming the underdog tag themselves ahead of the much anticipated clash at the MCG ground.

The NSW Blues are not shy in pinning their hopes on any player but their half‑back Nathan Cleary is expected to show why he is Brad Fittler's first choice in the Blue jersey.

The Panthers 20‑year‑old halfback will be making his Origin debut and has been in fine form for the Panthers this season.

He is the youngest Blues half‑back since Mitchell Pearce and has all the tools to excel on this stage and will look to bring his fine club form to Origin, alongside James Maloney.

Some of the big stars that will feature for the Blues backline include Latrell Mitchell, James Roberts, James Tedesco, Tom Trbojevic and Josh Addo‑Carr.

The Maroons will take on the NSW Blues at 10 tonight at the MCG Cricket Ground in Melbourne.

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