Maroons recall Slater

Billy Slater has been rewarded again for his brilliant season so far with a recall to the Queensland State of Origin side, with his Storm team-mate Israel Folau to make his debut.

The 24-year-old played five times for the Maroons in 2004 and 2005 but has struggled to regain his place in the line-up in recent seasons, with a lengthy suspension in 2006 and a serious cheekbone injury last year not helping his cause.

But having made his international debut last Friday for the Kangaroos in their 28-12 win over the Kiwis in the Centenary Test at the SCG, Slater has beaten Broncos custodian Karmichael Hunt to Queensland's No.1 jersey.

Hunt hasn't missed out entirely though, the Brisbane full-back instead named at five-eighth in place of injured incumbent Darren Lockyer, who will miss the opener and possibly Origin II as well.

Hunt will partner Cowboys skipper Johnathan Thurston in the halves, while Melbourne's Greg Inglis, who was also considered for the No.6, will pair up in the centres with Brisbane's Justin Hodges.

Fresh from scoring a double in Monday night's 18-4 win over Newcastle, Storm young gun Folau will make his debut for the Maroons in the May 21 clash at ANZ Stadium.

The Brisbane-bound centre, who last October became the youngest player to represent Australia, will play on the wing opposite to Warriors star Brent Tate, while Storm captain Cameron Smith will play at hooker and also captain the team.

Carl Webb and Petero Civoniceva will play in the front row, with Dallas Johnson at lock and Michael Crocker and Sam Thaiday completing the second row, while PJ Marsh, Ben Hannant, Nate Myles and Jacob Lillyman are on the bench.

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