Not long to go?

The countdown to tonight's 25th anniversary State of Origin rugby league series opening clash in Brisbane is well underway with both teams looking to settle pre-match nerves.

The Queensland team has started one of its pre-match rituals, playing a morning game of cricket. The Blues will go for a team walk around Brisbane's Roma Street parkland early this afternoon.

Queensland team management has dismissed speculation that skipper Darren Lockyer will wear a protective arm brace in tonight's sellout match at Suncorp Stadium due to a training incident.

Security and safety concerns have ended NSW coach Ricky Stuart's plan to revive the practice of driving the Blues team bus past the rowdy Caxton Hotel crowd on the way to the ground for the match.

Kick off is at 8.00pm.