Organisers of the special four-day event, which starts May 28, have found the ideal front man for their inaugural celebration - none other than rugby league legend Petero Civoniceva.

The lovable giant, who played in 33 State of Origins for Queensland between 2001 and 2012, is gearing up for an exciting footy event the likes of which Queensland has never seen before. “It will be four days’ celebration of everything that is Queensland,” Civoniceva tells Inside Sport.

The inaugural Maroon Festival starts Sunday May 28 at South Bank with an official Fan Day, where the entire 2017 XXXX Queensland Maroons team will be in attendance for a special River Parade. Queenslanders are invited to join in the Fan Day celebrations and sample all of the amazing Queensland food and drink on offer.

The Maroon Festival's Tastes of QLD Food Stalls will keep Queenslanders well-fuelled throughout the four-day event. (Photo courtesy Maroon Festival)

Food vendors taking part in the festival’s Tastes of QLD Food Stalls include the likes of Popolo, Schulte’s, At the Farmers Table, Fiery Deli, Sultans Kitchen, Brazza and Whips & Co to name a few.

Queensland fans will also be able to enjoy some beverages (XXXX of course) at the Waterfront Garden Bar overlooking the Brisbane River.

Fiji-born Civoniceva, who played 45 games all-up for Australia and six for Fiji at international level, believes a keen knowledge of Queensland rugby league history is major motivator behind the Maroons fans’ passion for their beloved state rep side.

“I guess it all stems from the history of the Maroons,” he tells Inside Sport. “That story of being the underdog for all those years when we saw Queenslanders playing for New South Wales in the pre-Origin days.

Petero and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk helped launch the Maroon Festival. (Photo courtesy Maroon Festival).

“I think it was Artie Beetson who really kicked off that pride in the Queensland jumper; the Queensland boys coming back and playing for their state in the first-ever Origin game back in 1980,” says the NRL legend, who played 235 first grade games for the Brisbane Broncos and 74 for the Penrith Panthers.

“That night was just such a huge moment for Queenslanders. I guess the legacy and that proud history has grown over time with the Queensland sides that have defied the odds to win. It’s something that resonates really strongly with Queenslanders; that fighting spirit – to never give in. I think that’s why it’s so huge.

“Everyone has their own story of State of Origin, growing up watching in lounge rooms or getting together with family. It’s all about that real sense of pride and belonging.”

Where is the main event before the main event this year? That’s in Queensland. Follow this link for all you need to know about the 2017 Maroon Festival.

(Header image by Getty Images)