The State of Origin series kicks off tonight at a fully sold out Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Queenslanders will be out in force to welcome Darren Lockyer in his 13th and final series.

Lockyer will equal Allan Langer's record of 34 Origin games tonight. 

The Maroons' five consecutive series wins would appear to put the Blues on the back foot but Maroons coach Mal Meninga reckons it will be "a really competitive, aggressive and unrelenting type of game... a battle of wills".

NSW's new full-time coach Ricky Stuart has meticulously planned his team's campaign this season and has the players he wanted on board.

NSW skipper Paul Gallen said they couldn't be any better prepared and Stuart's passion for the game had rubbed off on everyone, their motivation is high.

The Blues enter the series with five debutants. Willie Tonga and Dane Nielson replace injured Test centres Greg Inglis and Justin Hodges for the Maroons.