Queenslanders get first taste of Origin
* For the 2020 State of Origin schedule, click here
Suncorp Stadium will host the opening match of the 2019 Holden State of Origin Series, the National Rugby League confirmed today.
The news has been welcomed by Maroons coach Kevin Walters, who is relishing the opportunity to prepare a team to play in front of 50,000 parochial Queenslanders.
"Game 1 is crucial for both teams who are equally desperate to get off to a flying start," Walters said.
"A really strong performance has the potential to set you up for the rest of the series and we'll be doing everything we can to ensure the Queenslanders who come and watch us play are extremely proud of their team when they leave the stadium."
Following the opening game of the series in Brisbane on June 5, the spotlight turns to Perth for the historic Game 2 clash on Sunday, June 23.
Game 3 will be played at Sydney's ANZ Stadium on July 10.
The Maroons are poised to unveil a new-look backline for the upcoming series following the retirement of Billy Slater, who played a starring role in his final Origin match to inspire Queensland to a gritty 18-12 win in July this year.
Queensland last hosted the opening game of an Origin series at Suncorp Stadium in 2017.
NSW won that match 28-4, prompting Walters and Queensland selectors to usher in a new generation of talent.
The Maroons regrouped and went on to win the series after blooding eight debutants, securing a second-successive Origin series triumph under Walters.
2019 Holden State of Origin Series schedule:
Game I – Wednesday 5 June, Brisbane
Game II – Sunday 23 June, Perth
Game III – Wednesday 10 July, Sydney
