Queensland have confirmed Kurt Capewell will start in the centres in Wednesday night’s State of Origin series opener against NSW.

The Penrith utility had been named on the Maroons’ extended bench for the Adelaide Oval clash, and had battled a groin niggle in the lead up.

But he was presented with his maiden Queensland jersey by Mal Meninga as one of eight rookies on Wednesday, and will likely replace Phillip Sami in the backline.

“It’s obviously a dream come true,” Capewell said.

“You grow up as a kid watching Origin, every Wednesday that comes around … just the buzz is unreal.

“You go to school wearing your Maroons jersey and it’s all you talk about for weeks.

“To be presented with the jersey and be able to play for Queensland and represent my state is a dream come true.”

Fellow centre Brenko Lee is expected to overcome a calf issue to play in the game, with rain having held off in Adelaide.

Together the duo will become the Maroons’ first uncapped centre pairing in Origin history.

Meanwhile NSW are set to roll out three debutants, in the form of Clint Gutherson Luke Keary and Junior Paulo.