Are the Queenslanders too cocky?

Queensland Origin legend Gorden Tallis believes Paul Gallen's controversial comments have knocked out any complacency Queensland may have had, heading into game one tomorrow night.

Johnathan Thurston in good spirits ahead of game one. Source: News Corp Australia

IT ALL started a little over a week ago, when the Maroons literally did a jig as the team was announced.

It was out of character.

A ring announcer introduced the players as music blared. There were strobe lights.

Just before lunchtime today, a statue will be unveiled of Maroons coach Mal Meninga outside Suncorp Stadium.

Origin day. A statue. Come on.

This is a team that has built its dynasty around respecting its opposition and refraining – for the most part – from taking cheap shots.

Johnathan Thurston does a jig at the Queensland team announcement last week. Source: News Corp Australia

NSW has carried on like it usually does, with Paul Gallen's "two heads" jibe at Queenslanders leading the way.

That's expected from the Blues. Just one of many reasons they're staring down the barrel of nine series losses in a row.

But on Monday, the great Wally Lewis went on a world-class rant, saying NSW will never understand the meaning of Origin.

"I don't think NSW ever did get Origin. If this (run of losses) continues for NSW, they might eventually get it," Lewis said.

"That (Gallen's comment) was an indication of a long-held disrespect for Queensland.

"For NSW, it was a waste of f***ing time playing Queensland for decades and then I hear Gallen joking about the two-headed people up north."

Blues players form a huddle ahead of Origin I. Source: Getty Images

Then Maroons star Johnathan Thurston took a shot at the Blues' new-look halves pairing, saying that while the Bulldogs' Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson have been in fine form at club level, it does not compare to stepping into the Origin cauldron at Suncorp Stadium.

"It's going to be tough for them, no doubt about that,'' said Thurston.

"They are playing some really good football at the Dogs, but in saying that, State of Origin is a whole new ball game.

"Origin ... it's a different level and they will come to see on Wednesday night what it's like.''

There's also a reported pact between Queensland's senior players that they won't hand over to the new generation until they've won 10 series in a row.

They haven't won nine yet.

All signs are pointing towards Queensland winning again, let's be honest.