Queensland State of Origin squad features four debutants as Billy Slater shakes up Maroons

Selwyn Cobbo is one of four new faces in the Maroons squad. (Getty Images, Cameron Spencer )

New Queensland coach Billy Slater has named four debutants in his squad for this year's State of Origin series opener, including teenager Selwyn Cobbo.

The Brisbane winger, who has scored 10 tries in his past six NRL games, won a hotly contested race for a spot in the Maroons' backline ahead of teammate Corey Oates and North Queensland pair Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Murray Taulagi.

Oates has not made Slater's extended 22-player squad but there are spots on the reserves for Tabuai-Fidow and Taulagi.

As well as 19-year-old Cobbo, Cowboy Reuben Cotter will make his first Origin appearance at lock, while Pat Carrigan and Jeremiah Nanai are both set to debut for their state from the interchange bench.

Slater allowed Cowboys coach Todd Payten to break the news in front of his NRL squad that six players had made the Maroons' 22, with Valentine Holmes at centre and playmaker Tom Dearden effectively 18th man.

But the former Origin full-back enjoyed the call to Cobbo.

"He said thank you a few times," Slater grinned.

"He's really lit the game up, he brings so much excitement. He's doing alot right that we don't focus on as well which is a big reason why he's there."

Cowboys utility forward Reuben Cotter is another of the Maroons newcomers, named at lock for game one. (Getty Images: Albert Perez)

Gold Coast captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui will start in the front row but Slater has overlooked Titans' teammates Moeaki Fotuaika and David Fifita.

Cotter's selection means there is also no place for South Sydney's Jai Arrow, who is among the reserves.

St George Illawarra captain Ben Hunt has also been named at hooker, with Melbourne's Harry Grant in the utility role.

The Maroons will assemble in Brisbane on Monday before travelling to the Gold Coast for their training camp ahead of game one at Sydney's Olympic stadium on June 8.

Young Bronco Selwyn Cobbo's speed and versatility has seen him break into the Maroons Origin squad. (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer)

Queensland Origin I squad:

• 1. Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights)
• 2. Selwyn Cobbo (Brisbane Broncos)
• 3. Valentine Holmes (North Queensland Cowboys)
• 4. Dane Gagai (Newcastle Knights)
• 5. Xavier Coates (Melbourne Storm)
• 6. Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm)
• 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly Sea Eagles)
• 8. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans)
• 9. Ben Hunt (St George Illawarra Dragons)
• 10. Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders)
• 11. Kurt Capewell (Brisbane Broncos)
• 12. Felise Kaufusi (Melbourne Storm)
• 13. Reuben Cotter (North Queensland Cowboys)
• 14. Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm)
• 15. Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters)
• 16. Patrick Carrigan (Brisbane Broncos)
• 17. Jeremiah Nanai (North Queensland Cowboys)
• 18. Tom Dearden (North Queensland Cowboys)
• 19. Jai Arrow (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
• 20. Thomas Flegler (Brisbane Broncos)
• 21. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (North Queensland Cowboys)
• 22. Murray Taulagi (North Queensland Cowboys)

 AAP