Gorden Tallis has ridiculed the tag of favouritism Queensland will carry into the State of Origin series, claiming NSW would dominate a Test side if it was picked now.

And he has won support from south of the border, with NSW coach Phil Gould saying the opening Origin game at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday is an even money bet.

"To have a two horse race and have a favourite is pretty silly in my eyes," Tallis said.

"If we're favourites I'll take it, but I doubt it."

That flies in the face of the odds on offer from betting agencies Centrebet and SportsTAB, who have installed Queensland as clear favourites.

It's the first time since betting was taken on the Origin series that the Maroons have been tipped to beat their interstate rivals.

And it clearly doesn't sit well with the Queensland camp or their captain.

"If there was an Australian team picked today there would be five of us make it," Tallis said.

"That's not bagging the players that are in this team because there are some wonderful players.

"But NSW has wonderful players and every time I play for Australia that record speaks for itself."

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