Queensland coach Kevin Walters has backed bench utility Michael Morgan to be the Maroons’ X-factor in Wednesday night’s State of Origin series opener in Brisbane.

All eyes will be on Brisbane pivot Anthony Milford when he makes his Origin debut, replacing Johnathan Thurston (shoulder), but Walters has warned the Blues to watch Morgan.

“There’s been a lot of talk around Milford and what he brings to the team but just be careful of the bloke who comes off the bench,” he said.