Matt Cecchin will referee his first State of Origin match in five years in next Wednesday’s series opener at Suncorp Stadium.

Cecchin will partner Gerard Sutton for the interstate blockbuster, replacing Ben Cummins who has officiated in every State of Origin game since the 2013 decider.

Cecchin officiated last year’s grand final, but has not refereed State of Origin since his debut in Queensland’s controversial 18-10 defeat of NSW in Melbourne in 2012.

However, he has been recalled to partner Sutton, who will stand in his eighth-straight Origin match.

“I believe they bring the right form and the right experience to this arena,” referees boss Tony Archer said.

“Matt has continued to referee well since last season’s grand final.

“They refereed as a pairing in last year’s grand final qualifier and also officiated together in the premiership this season.”

2017 STATE OF ORIGIN GAME ONE OFFICIALS

Referee: Matt Cecchin

Assist Referee: Gerard Sutton

Senior Review Official: Bernard Sutton

Review Official: Ben Galea

Touch Judges: Brett Suttor, Chris Butler