Parramatta Eels lock J'maine Hopgood has been selected to make his State of Origin debut for Queensland in the 2024 series-opener at Accor Stadium on Wednesday 5 June.
Hopgood, who was part of Queensland's extended squad in 2023, has been handed a bench spot by Maroons coach Billy Slater as the Sunshine State aim for a third successive series victory.
The 25-year old has been one of Parramatta's standout players this season, featuring in every match and averaging 121 run metres and 37 tackles per game.
A proud Gooreng Gooreng man, Hopgood recently led the Eels onto the field in celebration of Indigenous Round. He grew up in Hervey Bay, Queensland, before relocating to New South Wales as a teenager to pursue his NRL dream.
To date, Hopgood has made 44 first grade appearances and twice represented the Indigenous All Stars.
As Hopgood joins Queensland's training camp ahead of Origin I, he will be unavailable for the Eels' NRL Round 13 match against the Sharks.
See the full squads chosen for the 2024 State of Origin series opener here.
