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Wally Lewis is quietly confident a rookie Queensland outfit can emulate his Maroons' famous 1980 State of Origin debut win in the series opener in Adelaide.

Forty years after his Queensland side was written off ahead of State of Origin's historic debut, Wally Lewis has backed the Maroons' rookie class of 2020 to pull off another boilover.

Former captain Lewis admitted few would give Queensland a chance after returning coach Wayne Bennett named eight debutants in his 17 for Wednesday's series opener against a star-studded NSW in Adelaide.

Especially with an injury-ravaged backline that is set to feature just one player with Origin experience - Dane Gagai.

Incredibly, Brisbane flyer Xavier Coates, just 19, is set to run out on the wing for Queensland for the first time with just 15 NRL games under his belt.

Instead of hitting the panic button, Lewis reckoned it augured well for his beloved Maroons as memories of their famous 1980 debut came flooding back.

History shows Lewis chimed into an Arthur Beetson-led Queensland that upstaged NSW in Origin I all those years ago sparking a fierce interstate rivalry.

And Lewis, a veteran of 31 Origins and a record eight man-of-the-match awards, says there are telltale signs that history would repeat next week.

"They do have a green backline. But there were plenty of people in 1980 saying Queensland had a pretty green backline," he told AAP.

"We had Colin Scott, Kerry Boustead and Brad Backer was the old boy at 24.

"Then there was Mal (Meninga), Chris Close. Alan Smith was in his mid-20s. And we had a few young blokes up front.

"Age doesn't count for much. Experience can in pressure situations but the big controlling point will be the effort put in by players.

"And I am sure that when Wayne (Bennett) has the opportunity to work with these blokes in the build-up by the time they get on the field they are going to be ready."

Lewis admitted one of the few Queenslanders with Origin experience - Canberra forward Josh Papalii - would need to stand up if they were to draw first blood.

But he hinted that being dismissed by critics yet again may prove enough incentive for Queensland to inspire an upset.

"I don't think there has ever been a Queenslander disappointed to know that we are rank outsiders in an Origin game," he said.

"I remember playing 31 games for Queensland and I think we were favourites twice.

"To me that is absolutely stunning. This (being written off) will give Bennett and the team plenty to work with."

Lewis hinted that series favouritism may work against NSW.

"You are not going to get any better being called favourites," he said.

"And some would question whether that is a bit of a burden."