Billy Slater left out of Queensland squad for State of Origin opener

Queensland have left out Test full-back Billy Slater and selected Darius Boyd for their State of Origin opener against New South Wales in Brisbane on May 31.

Gene Miles, the Maroons chief selector, described the omission of the 27-Origin veteran Slater as the "toughest decision we've had to make" and almost brought Queensland coach Kevin Walters to tears at the official team announcement.

Slater, 34 next month, was the shock omission as both teams were announced for the opening game of the three-match series, regarded as the pinnacle contest in world rugby league.

Brisbane's Anthony Milford was named at stand-off as incumbent Johnathan Thurston battles injury and was named as Queensland's 18th man.

Sydney Roosters prop Dylan Napa was also named in his first Queensland team, replacing Test incumbent Matt Scott (knee) in the front row.

"That is without doubt the toughest decision we've had to make," long-time Maroons selector Miles said of Slater.

"He's probably the best full-back I've ever seen... we didn't make that call lightly."

Meanwhile, hooker Nathan Peats and back-rower Jake Trbojevic are in line to make their Origin debuts for New South Wales after being named by coach Laurie Daley.

The pair were among six changes made to the team that claimed last year's third and final dead-rubber match in Sydney after Queensland won the opening two games of the series.

Brett Morris, Jarryd Hayne and Mitchell Pearce earned recalls while back-rower Boyd Cordner was appointed captain, taking over from Origin retiree Paul Gallen.

Queensland: 1 Darius Boyd, 2 Corey Oates, 3 Will Chambers, 4 Justin O'Neill, 5 Dane Gagai, 6 Anthony Milford, 7 Cooper Cronk; 8 Dylan Napa, 9 Cameron Smith (c), 10 Nate Myles, 11 Josh Papalii, 12 Matt Gillett, 13 Josh McGuire.

Interchange (from): 14 Michael Morgan, 15 Sam Thaiday, 16 Aidan Guerra, 17 Jacob Lillyman, 18 Johnathan Thurston.

New South Wales: 1 James Tedesco, 2 Blake Ferguson, 3 Josh Dugan, 4 Jarryd Hayne, 5 Brett Morris, 6 James Maloney, 7 Mitchell Pearce; 8 Aaron Woods, 9 Nathan Peats, 10 Andrew Fifita, 11 Josh Jackson, 12 Boyd Cordner (c), 13 Tyson Frizell.

Interchange: 14 David Klemmer, 15 Wade Graham, 16 Jake Trbojevic, 17 Jack Bird.