League: Lockyer returns to the Maroons

Darren Lockyer returns to lead the Maroons after missing last year's State of Origin series because of injury. Photo / Getty Images

Darren Lockyer returns to lead a stable, experienced Queensland team named on Tuesday to pursue a record fourth straight rugby league State of Origin series triumph.

Lockyer captains the Maroons after missing last year's 2-1 series win due to a knee injury, with Scott Prince the unlucky player making way for the test skipper.

Justin Hodges is also a change, replacing injured Brent Tate at centre, after missing the last two games of the 2008 series through suspension.

Coach Mal Meninga said Lockyer was fired up as he prepares for his 28th Origin match next Wednesday at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium.

"I know that he is really enthusiastic after missing the entire series last year," said Meninga.

"Talking to Darren he is looking forward to it.

"Scott Prince is the unluckiest player in all this. He comes from an era where Johnathan Thurston is the number one seven."

Queensland have named the same backline that turned out for Australia in its Test win over New Zealand earlier this month, with fullback Billy Slater forcing Karmichael Hunt onto the interchange bench.

North Queensland's Matthew Scott will join the Maroons as 18th man, but there are no players under injury clouds this early in the preparation.

* Queensland team:

Billy Slater, Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis, Justin Hodges, Israel Folau, Darren Lockyer (capt), Johnathan Thurston, Steve Price, Cameron Smith, Petero Civoniceva, Ashley Harrison, Sam Thaiday, Dallas Johnson.

Interchange: Karmichael Hunt, Ben Hannant, Nate Myles, Michael Crocker.