Queensland coach Billy Slater has confirmed a number of big calls in his team for Origin I, before lifting the lid on the "tough phone calls" he had to make on Sunday night to deliver the news.
As expected, Reece Walsh won the race to the fullback position over incumbent Kalyn Ponga.
He is the only debutant in the squad.
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Fourteen players from last year's series were recalled.
Thomas Flegler, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, David Fifita and Christian Welch are the other four who have been called back into the squad.
Dane Gagai is a notable omission.
Slater also opted to pass over Felise Kaufusi, who is facing a three-game suspension for his high shot on former teammate Christian Welch during the Dolphins' loss to the Storm on Saturday night.
Addressing the media, Slater revealed he had taken it upon himself to deliver the news to four of the big names he left out of the side, ringing Ponga, Gagai, Kurt Capewell and Xavier Coates on Sunday.
"I had to make some really tough phone calls last night. Some good ones and some bad ones," he said.
"Those four are Queenslanders through and through.
"[But] they were very understanding.
"By the end of the phone call they were supportive of the team."
The Maroons will take on the Blues on Wednesday week at Adelaide Oval.
MAROONS ORIGIN I TEAM
1. Reece Walsh
2. Selwyn Cobbo
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Cameron Munster
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Thomas Flegler
9. Ben Hunt
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Tom Gilbert
12. David Fifita
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Harry Grant
15. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
16. Reuben Cotter
17. Jai Arrow
18. Tom Dearden
19. Christian Welch
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