Queensland has announced the lineup for Origin One, featuring Knights star Kalyn Ponga in the No.1 jersey.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will play in the centres, while Kangaroos fullback Reece Walsh has been left out of the squad.
There was speculation that coach Billy Slater would position Ponga in the halves, especially with Tom Dearden sidelined due to injury.
Ponga previously played fullback in the first two matches of last year's series before missing Game Three due to a foot issue.
Tabuai-Fidow filled in for him in the final game, where he took on the No.1 role.
Out of Ponga's 10 games for the Maroons, he has played eight at fullback and two as a bench player since his debut in 2018.
Tabuai-Fidow has made an impressive mark with 11 tries in 10 Origin appearances, primarily at centre.
Injuries have forced Queensland to make several changes, with four players unavailable.
The new additions include Jojo Fifita, Sam Walker, Max Plath, and Briton Nikora, all making their debuts.
Walker, who has been a steady presence for the Roosters, previously represented the 2025 Prime Minister's XIII.