Paul Gallen Criticizes Queensland's Underdog Claims Ahead of State of Origin
State of Origin great Paul Gallen accuses Queensland of 'embarrassing and sickening' attempt to take underdog status away from NSW

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Former New South Wales captain Paul Gallen has harshly criticized Queensland's claims of underdog status ahead of the State of Origin series. He finds it 'sickening' and 'embarrassing' that Queensland continues to position themselves as underdogs despite their historical success in the competition.
- 01Paul Gallen, a former captain of New South Wales, expressed his disdain for Queensland's underdog claims, calling it 'sickening.'
- 02Gallen highlighted that Queensland has won more Origin games and series than NSW, questioning their need for the underdog narrative.
- 03He criticized the media and fans for perpetuating the idea that Queensland is the underdog despite their historical dominance.
- 04Gallen's comments come ahead of the 2026 State of Origin series opener, where Queensland is listed as $2.30 outsiders.
- 05He vowed to remind Queensland fans of their defeats if New South Wales wins this year.
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Paul Gallen, the former captain of New South Wales, has launched a passionate critique of Queensland's claims to underdog status ahead of the upcoming State of Origin series. Speaking on 2GB radio in Sydney, Gallen expressed his frustration, labeling the Maroons' self-proclaimed underdog narrative as 'sickening' and 'embarrassing.' He pointed out that Queensland has historically outperformed New South Wales, winning more games and series, which makes their claims even more perplexing. Gallen emphasized that the media and fans should not buy into the underdog myth, noting that Queensland's success includes periods of dominance, such as their eight consecutive series wins from 2006 to 2013. As the series opener approaches, with bookmakers listing Queensland as $2.30 outsiders compared to New South Wales at $1.65, Gallen has promised to remind Queensland fans of their shortcomings if NSW secures a victory this year.
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Gallen's comments may influence public perception and fan engagement ahead of the State of Origin series.
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