It was described as the "toughest decision we've had to make", almost bringing Queensland coach Kevin Walters to tears.
But an emotional Walters insisted Billy Slater's State of Origin days weren't numbered despite snubbing the veteran fullback for the May 31 series opener in Brisbane.
Slater - 34 next month - was the big name omission when Walters unveiled his Origin I squad on Monday after selectors retained incumbent Darius Boyd at fullback.
Brisbane's Anthony Milford was named at five-eighth with Johnathan Thurston as 18th man.
The Broncos pivot will make his Origin debut if Thurston does not recover from a shoulder injury sustained in the trans-Tasman Test.
Sydney Roosters prop Dylan Napa has also been named in his first Queensland team, replacing Matt Scott (knee) in the front row alongside Manly veteran Nate Myles.
But Walters admitted overlooking 27 Origin veteran Slater was the most difficult call.
He almost broke down trying to explain the "very tough" decision, prompting Queensland chief selector Gene Miles to intervene.
"That is without doubt the toughest decision we've had to make," 17-year Maroons selector Miles said of Slater.
"He's probably the best fullback I've ever seen... we didn't make that call lightly."
Asked if the Origin door was now closed for Slater, Walters said: "Not at all.
"I wish we could play two fullbacks."
Miles admitted Slater was "not happy" about his snub but did not believe the veteran's Origin career was over.
"He's obviously not happy about the decision but he's accepted it, he said 'whatever's best for Queensland'," he said.
"The guys have got another couple of club games to get through before game two and anything can happen in this game."
Walters said it would have been "unfair" to ask Slater to play his first Origin game in two years due to shoulder injuries in a crunch series opener at Suncorp Stadium.
Boyd regained career best form when he claimed Slater's Queensland and Test No.1 jersey last year after the Melbourne veteran endured a second shoulder reconstruction.
"He was very close, mate. (But) I think it's a bit unfair on Billy to put him under so much pressure in game one of a series," Walters said of Slater.
"We've relieved him of those duties and I know Darius will get the job done for us.
"He's a great player and deserves first crack at the No.1 jumper."
Walters hoped Slater would still play a role by assisting at their Origin I Gold Coast camp.
Meanwhile, Thurston's record run of 36 straight Origins may come to an end after being named as 18th man.
Walters refused to give a deadline on Thurston's fitness.
"He's highly unlikely. We're preparing to play the game without Johnathan Thurston," he said.
The Maroons kept the faith with their incumbent backline, ensuring no place for Test winger Valentine Holmes.
Melbourne centre Will Chambers replaces Greg Inglis (knee).
In the new-look pack, Brisbane's Josh McGuire slot in for retired lock Corey Parker.
Queensland team: Darius Boyd, Corey Oates, Will Chambers, Justin O'Neill, Dane Gagai, Anthony Milford, Cooper Cronk, Dylan Napa, Cameron Smith (capt), Nate Myles, Josh Papalii, Matt Gillett, Josh McGuire. Interchange: Michael Morgan, Sam Thaiday, Aidan Guerra, Jacob Lillyman. 18th man: Johnathan Thurston.
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