Queensland Maroons coach Kevin Walters has vowed not to make the same mistake two years in a row after leaving Billy Slater out of the State of Origin opener last year.
The star fullback missed his side's 28-4 loss in game one at Suncorp Stadium with Darius Boyd instead wearing the number one jersey.
When Slater did return at the back he inspired a Maroons series fightback as they went on to trample their rivals in the next two clashes.
Walters confirmed that Queensland legends Matt Scott and Greg Inglis will both feature in this year's series, barring injury.
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Both stars missed the majority of the 2017 season as well as the entire State of Origin series with respective ACL injuries.
The Maroons coach said he would not make the same mistake again.
“We made the mistake last year of leaving out one of our great players and we paid a price for it,” Walters said.
“We’d be silly to do the same thing again.
“Greg’s come back from a knee injury but he’s a very experienced player and seeing him wearing Maroon there again today, it’s a nice feeling knowing that he’s going to be playing Origin again this year.
“The same with Matt Scott, he’s been one of those players for Queensland that has really stood up when it mattered and he deserves that opportunity himself.
“If he keeps playing great footy for the Cowboys there’s no doubt he’ll be in the side as well.”
The 2018 series begins on Wednesday, June 6 at the MCG before News South Wales host game two in Sydney on Sunday, June 24.
Queensland will host game three on Wednesday, July 11 at Suncorp Stadium.
