League: Blues dismiss underdog talk

NSW captain Kurt Gidley has dismissed Queensland's claims to the underdog tag for tomorrow night's State of Origin rugby league opener at ANZ Stadium.

Gidley says the Maroons have proved over many years it doesn't matter who wears their jersey, they will rise to the occasion.

Queensland have won the last four series but are claiming underdog status after bookmakers installed NSW as favourites for game one following the injury-enforced withdrawal of test hooker Cameron Smith.

"I don't buy into it at all," Gidley said.

"It's a Queensland team, it's the best players in their position at the moment that are picked for that team.

"I don't care what names are in those jumpers, it's going to be a tough match and that's the way I approach it."

The skipper says the bigger Blues side in 2010 is determined to intimidate Queensland from the opening whistle.

"They'll be trying to do the same thing and we'd like to get off to a real good start in game one physically," Gidley said.

NSW are confident they can pick up from the performance which resulted in last year's 28-16 game three win at Suncorp Stadium as they try to end four years of Queensland domination.

"I feel like playing tonight to be honest and I felt that way right from when that game finished last year.

"I was wishing there was a game the next week."

- AAP