Blues coach names six debutants for Origin opener

Trbojevic set to make history in milestone match

19-man squad announced for Game Three of Ampol State of Origin series

Westpac NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire has named six debutants for the opening game of the Ampol State of Origin series at Accor Stadium in Sydney.

The Blues will be without captain James Tedesco and boom centre Latrell Mitchell for the series opener, with Trbojevic set to lead the team in their absence. Trbojevic has worn the Blues jersey 16 times and has played more Origins than any other member of the 20-man squad.

The Blues will be looking to make a statement in the series opener, after losing the past two series to the Queensland Maroons. The Maroons have won the past 11 Origin series, and the Blues will be desperate to break their drought.

The Ampol State of Origin series is an annual event that sees the best players from New South Wales and Queensland compete for the State of Origin shield. The series is one of the most intense rivalries in Australian sport, and the games are always played in front of sell-out crowds.