State against state, mate versus mate: Thousands brave the Brisbane chill as they don their colours and flock to Suncorp Stadium for the State of Origin opener
- Scores of loyal fans have begun to flood Suncorp Stadium for State of Origin
- Ticket-holders donned their state's jersey and scarf before kick-off at 8.10pm
- Maroon's fans hope they can snatch first game from last year's Origin winners
Scores of loyal fans have begun to flood Suncorp Stadium for the annual rugby league rivalry that separates states like no other.
Dressed in maroon and blue, the excited supporters flocked to the ground in Brisbane for the State of Origin opener.
About 50,000 fans are expected to roll into the stadium for the first kick-off of the three-game series at 8.10pm.
The sporting event, which boasts the slogan 'state against state and mate versus mate', encourages friendly competition between residents across Australia's east coast.
Ticket-holders donned their state's jersey and scarf, as they walked towards the gates with the promise of an action-packed night.
Others got more carried away by the rivalry and decorated themselves with outrageous hairdos and a trip to the nail salon.
One Maroons fan throws her hands in the air during pre-game entertainment
Fans settled in their seats before the kick-off of Game One on Wednesday night
'State against state and mate versus mate': Scores of NRL fans have arrived for the State of Origin
More than 50,000 fans are expected to roll into the stadium for the first kick-off of the three-game extravaganza at 8.10pm
Two Maroons fans pose at the front of Suncorp Stadium before the opener on Wednesday night
The sporting event, which boasts the slogan 'state against state and mate versus mate', encourages friendly competition between residents across Australia's east coast
Pyajama party: Three friends raise their fists in support of the Maroons before kick-off
With the first game held at home in Queensland, Maroons fans will be hoping their team can rise against last year's defeat and start the series with a victory.
For the Blues, the 2018 defeat was the second time they've taken the trophy from their rivals in a disastrous 13 years on the pitch.
But NSW coach Brad Fittler declared his squad is even more prepared than last year's series-winning team.
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They are on hunt of a back-to-back title which could be achieved for the first time since 2005.
Fittler has had his fair share of injury and form-related concerns to cope with during the lead-up but he is confident the squad can deliver.
James Maloney, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Tyrone Peachey were dropped on form and similarly James Roberts wasn't considered because he was demoted to reserve grade at Brisbane before his recent switch to South Sydney.
A man and woman enjoy each other's company before the state versus state, mate versus mate rally kicks off at 8.10pm
Two women grin proudly as they display their Maroons gear, golden wigs and give the thumbs up
Origin fans were all smiles before the game kicked off on Wednesday evening
'Go de Bluez! Sorry Dad but I waz born in NSW and Mum has parental control over de gram!': One fan decided to dress their dog for the occasion
Ticket-holders donned their state's jersey and scarf, as they walked towards the gates with the promise of an action-packed night
With the first game held at home in Queensland, Maroons fans will be hoping their team can rise against last year's defeat and start the series with a victory
For the Blues, the 2018 defeat was the second time they've taken the trophy from their rivals in a disastrous 13 years on the pitch
Two mates celebrate the state versus state rivalry, with one supporting the Blues and the other cheering for the Maroons
A group of ladies wear matching 'GO QUEENSLAND' beanies for Game One
Tom Trobojevic was unable to retain his wing berth due to a hamstring complaint while incumbent lock Jack de Belin was has been sidelined under the NRL's 'no-fault' stand down rule.
Potential call-ups Mitchell Pearce, Luke Keary, Jack Bird and Joey Leilua were all scratched because of injury.
Fittler named five new faces in Payne Haas, Nick Cotric, Cody Walker, Cameron Murray and Jack Wighton while Josh Morris has been recalled from representative retirement for his first Origin in three years.
Despite that, Fittler has been able to name 11 players who won last year's shield and he predicted that would show.
The first match of the three-game competition is held at Suncorp Stadium, in Brisbane
Two young NSW fans don electric blue wigs for the opener that divides the east coast
Fans walk towards the gates of Suncorp Stadium before game on of State of Origin
Other NRL fans took their State of Origin dedication to new levels by visiting the nail salon
One Maroons fan went on a trip to the salon to request these glitzy QLD nails
One fan takes a mirror selfie of her matching Maroons top and knee-high socks
Dancer and actress Sharni Vinson threw her support behind Queensland on Wednesday evening
'It feels like we're just a little bit better than we were last year because we've been together a year longer. That helped,' he said.
'It does get a little easier. You don't get any more sleep but the fact is they know each other and that helps.
Meanwhile, a number of NSW players have vowed to remain silent during the pre-game national anthem.
Cody Walker, who is debuting for the Blues, made headlines when he announced he would not sing Advance Australia Fair.
The 29-year-old has been supported by teammates Josh Addo-Carr and Latrell Mitchell.
Maroons representative Will Chambers also announced he would not sing the anthem.
Fans who were unable to attend the opener shared their support from social media with selfies showcasing their representative gear.
Fans who were unable to attend the opener shared their support from social media with selfies showcasing their representative gear
A QLD support dressed in a dark red celebrates the Maroons in a post to social media
Couple up! A man and a woman wear matching Queensland jerseys for the state versus state rivalry
An eager NSW fan beats the crowds and walks into the stadium before thousands of others arrive
Maroons Mal Maninga is seen in Caxton Street before Game One of the 2019 State of Origin
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