'Thought it was a prank call': Robert Toia opens up on phone call from Maroons coach Billy Slater

Roosters centre Robert Toia has opened up on his shock selection for the Maroons, admitting he was "speechless" when he got the call from coach Billy Slater

Queensland named the 10-game rookie among three Origin debutants for game one, with Trent Loiero and Beau Fermor also selected on Monday morning.

A further three players - Kurt Mann, Jesse Arthars, and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki - are also on the fringe of Origin debuts after being named on the extended bench.

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But it was Toia that surprised almost everybody - including the man himself.

"I was a bit speechless actually," he told media on Monday.

"To be honest, I thought it was a joke or a prank call. I was just in total disbelief.

"I remember it being a random number … he just said 'hey mate, it's Billy Slater, I just want to let you know you'll be making your Origin debut'.

"After those words, I don't even know what was said to be honest." 

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The 20-year-old was first publicly floated as a Maroons bolter by state selector Darren Locker on Wide World of Sports' QLDER a fortnight ago, despite only making his first grade debut with the Chooks in round one of this season.

When quizzed about the surprise selection, Slater described the Auckland-born centre as "world class" and believes he can do the job opposite Latrell Mitchell.

"I've been watching him closely," Slater said.

"Not just the stuff he does with the football but he's got great principles in his game, I know his coach at the Roosters has got a really high opinion.

"That phone call last night was one that I'll remember for a long time.

"I think he is a world class centre, he is a top line centre. Although he's only 10 games into his NRL career, he's been through a bit of adversity ... we think he's of Origin class.

"He's stood up every time he's played, he's been one of the more consistent players for the Roosters. Playing in the centres, it is man on man, but it's a system and he is a good system player. He's got some good strengths and they will need to defend him as well.

"Hopefully we can bring him into the game ... hopefully he's going to get some good ball in good situations and be pretty dangerous himself."

Slater was forced into a backline shuffle when Murray Taulgai was ruled out on Sunday with injury, while Selwyn Cobbo was also placed in doubt with a wrist injury.

Toia's inclusion pushes Dragons veteran Valentine Holmes to the wing.

Fermor (Titans) and Loiero (Storm) have been on the fringes of selection for some time and now get the chance to take their club form to the big stage.

Kalyn Ponga has won the race to the fullback spot despite Newcastle being in woeful form over the past six weeks.

Slater, though, is not concerned over the fullback's club form.

"Pretty exciting challenge, isn't it?" he said when probed on Ponga's struggles of late.

"I played that position and I love what Kalyn brings to a footy team, and helping him be at his best is something that excites me. That's something I'm looking forward to."

Harry Grant also retains his place at hooker despite returning from injury to a losing Melbourne side on Sunday.

Patrick Carrigan lines up at lock despite suffering a gruesome mouth injury on Sunday which required plastic surgery.

Maroons game one team

1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Xavier Coates 3. Robert Toia 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Cameron Munster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c) 8. Mo Fotuaika 9. Harry Grant 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 11. Reuben Cotter 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tom Dearden 15. Lindsay Collins 16. Beau Fermor 17. Trent Loiero.

Reserves: Kurt Mann, Jesse Arthars, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki