Billy Slater will miss Wednesday night's Origin opener with a tight hamstring ruling the champion fullback out.
Speaking to the media at Melbourne Airport on Monday, Slater explained the decision and his disappointment.
"I caught up with the physio and doctor – I just didn't pull up as well as I wanted to from training yesterday," Slater said.
"I've never had a hamstring injury before so I don't have anything to measure it off.
"I went on the recommendation of the physio and the doctor and what was best for not only myself but the team as well.
"I'm extremely disappointed."
Slater addresses media over hamstring injury
The fullback will now turn his attention to his rehabilitation and returning to the field as quickly as possible while in the meantime, Queensland Coach Kevin Walters has a big decision to make as to who will replace Slater in the number one jersey.
"It's slightly sore but it's not a big strain," Slater said.
"It's in a position where if I do go out and play and do it properly I could be out for a long period of time.
"My main focus now is to get my hamstring right."
The teams are in! Witness Australia's greatest sporting rivalry when Holden State of Origin comes to the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday, June 6. Tickets available at NRL.com/tickets.
