Queensland will start outright favourites for tonight's opening State of Origin series clash with NSW at ANZ Stadium as the Maroons chase their third title in succession.

The Maroons stand on the brink of a new dynasty in rugby league's showpiece event with Mal Meninga's men attempting to become just the fifth team in history to win three series crowns in a row.

Queensland hooker Cameron Smith will captain the side in the absence of injured star Darren Lockyer while winger Israel Folau and interchange prop Ben Hannant will make their Origin debuts.

NSW hooker Danny Buderus will captain the Blues for the fifth year in succession as he attempts to end his representative career on a high before heading to Leeds in the English Super League.

NSW coach Craig Bellamy is making his debut in the Origin arena and it remains to be seen whether he can convert his NRL success - Melbourne have been the most dominant club for two seasons - to the toughest level of football.

The Blues will field four rookies tonight - prop Ben Cross, winger Anthony Quinn and form forward Anthony Laffranchi - but none are under as much pressure as halfback Peter Wallace.

Wallace, 22, is making his NSW debut after just 29 NRL games and is the Blues fifth halfback in seven games as the quest to find a long term replacement to the game's greatest half Andrew Johns continues.

But expectation on Wallace doesn't come close to matching the pressure on Queensland, who are carrying more favouritism in 2008 than in any of their previous 27 years of Origin.

Until last year the Maroons had not won in 11 visits to ANZ Stadium, but that hoodoo was broken with a 10-6 victory in game two that secured back-to-back series titles.

Queensland boast a starting side of players who have all pulled on an Australian Test jumper - eight of them in the most recent Centenary Test win over New Zealand.

Weather forecasters predict cool conditions with the chance for rain for tonight's game which will kick off at 8pm AEST.

Fans are being urged to take public transport to tonight's game at Homebush, with NSW Transport Minister John Watkins saying all ticketholders will travel for free.

Tickets to the game between NSW and Queensland include free travel on public transport, including buses, trains and ferries, Mr Watkins says.

Additional services have been organised, including a direct train service between Central Station and Olympic Park, to make it easier for fans to get to the game.

"A direct CityRail shuttle service will operate between Central and Olympic Park station every eight to 12 minutes from 4pm until 9.30pm, stopping at Redfern and Strathfield stations," Mr Watkins said.

"Large numbers are expected tonight so fans should arrive early to avoid the queues. Gates open at 6pm for the 8pm kick-off."

For more information commuters should go to cityrail.com.au or call the Transport Infoline on 131 500.

Teams:

NSW: Brett Stewart, Jarryd Hayne, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Anthony Quinn, Greg Bird, Peter Wallace, Brett White, Danny Buderus (capt), Ben Cross, Ryan Hoffman, Willie Mason, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Anthony Laffranchi, Anthony Tupou, Craig Fitzgibbon, Ben Hornby.

Queensland: Billy Slater, Brent Tate, Greg Inglis, Justin Hodges, Israel Folau, Karmichael Hunt, Johnathan Thurston, Carl Webb, Cameron Smith (capt), Petero Civoniceva, Michael Crocker, Sam Thaiday, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: PJ Marsh, Ben Hannant, Nate Myles, Jacob Lillyman.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP