What is it?

Probably the biggest, most-anticipated games of rugby league on the Australian sport's calendar as Queensland and New South Wales renew hostilities in the annual State of Origin series.

When is it?

Game one of the three-match series takes place on Wednesday June 6.

The second match is on Sunday June 24 before the series comes to its conclusion in Brisbane on Wednesday July 11.

Where is it?

The series will be split between venues in Queensland and New South Wales, but the opener takes place at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground, Queensland.

What time is kick off?

Origin game one starts at 8pm Australian Eastern time, which equates to 11am UK time.

Queensland won last year's series, their 11th triumph in 12 seasons Credit: NRL State of Origin Instagram

What TV channel is it on?

You can watch all three Origin games on Sky Sports Main Event or Sky Sports Arena.

What are the two teams?

New South Wales

NSW coach Brad Fittler has picked one of the youngest Blues sides in Origin history, with Penrith Panthers stand-off James Maloney the player above the age of 30.

Fittler, who scored eight tries in a 14-year Origin career, named 11 debutants in his first squad as coach.

"There's a lot of good players playing for NSW at the moment in their clubs, I don't know if any of the coaches before have had that same luxury," said Fittler.

"You've got to say it is a team that gets you sitting on the edge of your seat, week-in, week-out they've been fantastic for their club, so why not?

Nathan Cleary is set to make his Origin debut at half-back Credit: NRL Twitter

"I wasn't concerned about debutants, no doubt we needed some experienced players there. The key is to get the right amount of experienced players and making sure they were fit as well. These days I don't think the kids seem to worry as much as in the past."

Fittler's so called 'Baby Blues' include this season's top try-scorer in the NRL, Josh-Addo Carr, who makes his first Origin appearance at the age of 22.

11 State of Origin debutants have been named in Brad Fittler's first New South Wales squad Credit: NRL Twitter

"I'm very excited, I can't wait to chuck on a Blues jersey and run out with the boys, it's been great so far, I've enjoyed every moment," Addo-Carr told media ahead of his first training session as a New South Wales player.

"I can't believe it's come around, I'm very grateful to get the opportunity and will do my very best for the team and for our state."

Addo-Carr will face a number of his Melbourne Storms teammates, with Billy Slater, Cameron Munster and Will Chambers all set to feature for Queensland.

Queensland Maroons

The Maroons will be without 101 games worth of Origin experience following Johnathan Thurston, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk's retirement from representative rugby league.

In their place come Andrew McCulloch, who will be making his debut for Queensland at hooker, as well as Cameron Munster and Ben Hunt, who have just two Origin caps between them.

"The guys that have retired have over 100 Origin games between them and these guys in their early days can hopefully settle in those positions for the next six years," said Maroons chairman of selectors, Gene Miles.

"They are so important the seven, six and nine these days. They have it all in front of them and we just hope they grab this with both hands and run with it.

"They have to step up. There is no more JT, no more Cooper Cronk and no more Cameron. This day was unfortunately coming at some stage, and here we are."

Greg Inglis (left) captains Queensland following the retirement of Cameron Smith Credit: NRL Twitter

Build up to game one has been dominated by the surprise news that Origin veteran Billy Slater would be playing in his final series for Queensland.

"I just feel it's time," Slater said. "To be honest, I can't give you a real answer on why exactly, but I'm 35 this year, this will be my 15th year for Queensland.

"I had a fair indication that the World Cup last year would be the last time I played for Australia, it's been on my mind for a while, I always felt this would be my last Origin series."

Maroons head coach Kevin Walters admitted Slater's decision had taken him by surprise.

"This time last year I was nearly in tears because we didn't have him in the team and now he gets to go out on his terms," Walters said.

"Billy Slater epitomises what Origin is all about, a kid who makes it from the bush and turns the game upside down. "He has been phenomenal for Queensland."

Are any British players competing?

Sam Burgess plays his rugby league in Australia, but is not eligible for State of Origin selection Credit: NRL Twitter

Unfortunately not. To qualify for State of Origin you must be eligible to play for Australia and have not represented another nation at senior level, meaning England internationals like Sam Burgess, Gareth Widdop and James Graham will not be featuring.

To be eligible for selection players have to have been born in one of the two states, Queensland or New South Wales, or have a father who played Origin.

Players that were born outside of either Queensland or NSW are only able to play Origin if they lived in one of the two states before the age of 13, or if their father played.

Who won the previous series?

Valentine Holmes (right) scored a hat-trick in series-deciding win last year Credit: NRL Twitter

Last year Queensland defied the odds and bounced back from a heavy game one defeat to record a 2-1 series victory, their 11th in the last 12 years.

Rookie winger Valentine Holmes scored a thrilling hat-trick as the Maroons beat the Blues 22-6 in what would turn out to be captain Cameron Smith's last game as Queensland captain.

What are the odds?

Game one odds

NSW 8/15

Queensland 7/5

Draw 14/1

Series odds

NSW 8/15

Queensland 7/5