Ben Hunt replaces Reed Mahoney in Queensland State of Origin squad

St George Illawarra captain Ben Hunt has been added to the Queensland squad for Wednesday's opening State of Origin match in Townsville.

Hunt replaces Parramatta's Reed Mahoney, who suffered a shoulder injury in yesterday's win over Newcastle.

Mahoney, the Maroons' 19th man, is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks.

Hunt has played nine Origin matches since making his debut in 2017.

"I think Hunt plays his best footy at hooker," former Blues captain Paul Gallen told Wide World of Sports.

"He's a good person to bring in. He's played there before, and he's got plenty of experience."

Hunt will fly to Townsville to link up with the Queensland squad today.

The Dragons half was one of the stars of St George Illawarra's 52-24 win over Brisbane on Thursday night.

Doubts still remain over the fitness of both AJ Brimson (knee) and Cameron Munster (foot) although both are expected to play on Wednesday night.

There's been no further update on Dane Gagai, who the Maroons confirmed yesterday was on antibiotics after developing tonsillitis.

Queensland confirmed in a statement he had returned a negative result for COVID-19.