Queensland coach Kevin Walters says the Maroons will play the game of their lives in the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday night.

Walters has raised eyebrows by ditching their traditional underdog status this year and didn’t back down on Tuesday, talking up their chances as they look to reclaim the Origin title from NSW.

“I am very confident that you will see a Queensland team play the game of its life and we will,” he said.

Walters looked forward to the Maroons starting a new chapter in their history under skipper Daly Cherry-Evans.

Queensland are boasting a new look after former skippers Greg Inglis and Billy Slater joined Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk in representative retirement.

Origin I at Suncorp Stadium will mark the first time since game two in 2003 that the Maroons will not feature any member of their future Immortals Smith, Inglis, Cronk and Thurston.

“It’s a new era for Queensland rugby league and I am excited to see our guys in action and see what they can do in the maroon jumper and make their own statement tomorrow night,” he said.

Cherry-Evans takes over the Maroons reins, capping a remarkable comeback after he ended a three year exile when called up for game three last year.

“He’s been really good in camp. Last year when he came in I felt an instant connection with him,” Walters said of DCE before his captaincy debut.

“He has gone through so much as a player mentally and that has put him in a great position (as skipper).

“We expect our captain to lead us and DCE will deliver.”

Walters said he wasn’t feeling any pressure starting his fourth campaign as Queensland coach but his first attempting to reclaim the Origin crown.

The Maroons’ stunning run of 11 series wins in 12 years was snapped by the Blues in 2018.

“I have been in all sorts of situations as a coach at this level,” he said.

“We will need to play well and we will in front of our home crowd.

“I think you will see a great Queensland performance.”

Walters made no apologies for adopting the Expect to Win philosophy of “Coach Whisperer” Bradley Charles Stubbs.

The mind coach’s teachings include not mentioning the opposition, prompting Walters to threaten his players with fines if they talk about NSW to the media.

“It’s so important to get your own backyard in order and let the rest look after itself,” Walters said of his approach.

“We appreciate what the other side can do.

“We are not silly but we know what we can do. We can be very powerful tomorrow night if we get all of our players playing the way they can.”

Walters ruled out making any team changes, saying they will stick their starting line-up on Wednesday night.