Queensland halfback Cooper Cronk has broken his arm in the opening exchanges of the State of Origin series-opener at Suncorp Stadium.

Cronk suffered the injury in a tackle on NSW second-rower Ryan Hoffman and was replaced by Daly Cherry-Evans in the 10th minute on Wednesday night.

The Blues also appeared to suffer an injury blow when Brett Morris scored a try to level the game at 4-4 in the 19th minute but the winger returned to action after treatment to his shoulder.