Simpkins to ref Origin opener

Paul Simpkins has been appointed to referee the first State of Origin match at Suncorp Stadium on May 25.

It will be Simpkins second State of Origin game, following his debut in the Third game of the 2004 series.

Touchies will be Steve Chiddy and Steve Carrall .

The video referee will be Graeme West and the stand by referee Tim Mander.