Cameron Smith elbowed out of Origin I

Queensland Maroons hooker Cameron Smith has been ruled out of the opening match of the 2010 State of Origin series.

Smith will be replaced by Matt Ballin for next Wednesday's clash against the New South Wales Blues at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. Ballin will wear the No. 9 jersey.

Smith has been in doubt since dislocating his elbow while playing for Australia against New Zealand earlier this month. The Melbourne Storm hooker has been receiving intensive physiotherapy treatment to meet a fitness test on Saturday morning.

Team physio Scott Thornton announced Smith's omission prior to the Maroons taking part in a training run against the Sunshine Coast team at the Hyatt Regency resort.