Former NSW captain Paul Gallen has lobbed a grenade into the Maroons’ State of Origin camp, saying it’s ‘sickening’ the way they have again been able to claim underdog status.

Already public enemy No.1 north of the border, Gallen has lit the fuse for more fireworks with a relentless tirade against the Maroons and their fans. 

Declaring that he ‘despises them’, Gallen is furious about how the Maroons have positioned themselves as underdogs.

No one has endured more Origin heartbreak in history than Gallen, who featured in 10 series defeats and won only one in 2016.

‘I hate just how they think Origin’s all about them, their own self-importance. It’s embarrassing,’ Gallen told 2GB radio in Sydney.

‘To hear them talk about the underdog tag and how they’re underdogs, and how NSW are deserving favourites, it’s honestly sickening. It’s disgusting.’

Paul Gallen (pictured) has launched a verbal tirade against Queensland ahead of the State of Origin series opener

Gallen (pictured punching former Queensland player Nate Myles) has proved once again that he’s one of the most passionate NSW players of all time

‘Like, I don’t understand why they need it so much,’ Gallen added.

‘They’ve won more Origin games than us. They’ve won more series than us … for them to continually carry on about it, it’s sickening.

‘And what annoys me most is that people of the world keep buying into it, [that] they are actually the underdogs, we are actually the favourites.’

Gallen is also incensed by claims Queenslanders are more passionate about Origin because they won every series from 2006 to 2013.

‘Because of what happened in that eight-year period with us, they’re able to say that,’ he said.

‘But when you’ve got probably six or seven future Immortals in the side, you’re probably going to win most games.

‘But I hate them being able to say it. 

‘You know, whenever we win, we’re just happy to win and walk away and wait till next year.’

Queensland coach Billy Slater (pictured) is looking to win his fourth series in charge this year

Queensland are set to begin the 2026 State of Origin series as the underdogs (pictured middle, hooker Harry Grant trains with the team)

‘We don’t carry on and rub it into Queensland’s face,’ Gallen continued.

‘So I’m hoping if we win this year, I’m going to be letting every single Queenslander know about it for 12 months. 

Yes, every single one of them, because the crap they carry on with is ridiculous.’

Bookmakers have listed the Maroons as $2.30 outsiders for game one, with the Blues at $1.65.