Test forward Anthony Laffranchi will start for NSW in Wednesday night's State of Origin series opener at Etihad Stadium while Queensland have made no changes to their starting side.

Laffranchi will start in the back row for injured lock Paul Gallen, with Luke Lewis to come off the bench along with Justin Poore, Michael Weyman and Craig Wing.

Queensland coach Mal Meninga has resisted the urge to alter his side, with fullback Billy Slater retaining his run-on role from Brisbane's Karmichael Hunt.

A strong crowd is starting to file into Etihad Stadium for the sold out game with Queensland firm favourites to commence their campaign for a record fourth straight series win with a victory.

Queensland: Billy Slater, Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis, Justin Hodges, Israel Folau, Darren Lockyer (capt), Johnathan Thurston, Steve Price, Cameron Smith, Petero Civoniceva, Ashley Harrison, Sam Thaiday, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Karmichael Hunt, Ben Hannant, Nate Myles, Michael Crocker.

NSW: Kurt Gidley (capt), Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Jamie Lyon, James McManus, Terry Campese, Peter Wallace, Brent Kite, Robbie Farah, Luke Bailey, Luke O'Donnell, Ben Creagh, Anthony Laffranchi. Interchange: Craig Wing, Justin Poore, Michael Weyman, Luke Lewis

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