Queensland Have Been Written Off As Underdogs For This Years State Of Origin Series But The Maroons Are Confident They Can Upset The Odds

Underdogs no more: Queensland aiming to shock NSW in State of Origin

Queensland have been written off as underdogs for this year's State of Origin series, but the Maroons are confident they can upset the odds.

The Maroons have received a boost with Jai Arrow escaping a suspension, while Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai have been axed from the team.

Arrow was charged with a grade one crusher tackle on South Sydney's Keaon Koloamatangi in the Rabbitohs' loss to the Sydney Roosters on Friday night.

But the Maroons enforcer has been cleared to play in the series opener in Sydney on June 8 after entering an early guilty plea.

Ponga has been dropped from the team after struggling with form for both Queensland and the Newcastle Knights.

Gagai has also been axed, with the Maroons opting for a more experienced centre pairing of Valentine Holmes and Greg Inglis.

The Maroons are aiming to win the Origin series for the first time since 2015.

They will face a tough challenge against a New South Wales team that is looking to win its third straight series.