Bookmakers have disagreed on the strength of Queensland's favouritism for next week's opening State of Origin match after the teams were announced.

The Maroons named a glittering backline and an aggressive pack, while the Blues tossed Newcastle youngster Jarrod Mullen into the No.7 jumper and picked a strapping forward pack.

Sportingbet Australia, felt Queensland's flashy backline would score too many points against NSW and had them at $1.58 with the Blues $2.35 outsiders.

Sportingbet's betting manager Bill Richmond said Queensland's sizzling backline meant they had to be favourites even if the Blues appeared to have a slight edge in the forwards.

"The Blues pack might have a slight edge on the Maroons in the pack but the two backlines are miles apart, particularly the halves," said Richmond.

"Mullen has potential, but he's not in the same class as Lockyer and Thurston."

"The Blues have picked their fullback and five eighth from teams that can't score tries and they've missed the boat by leaving out some attacking forwards like Ryan Hoffman, Greg Bird and Paul Gallen in favour or workers like Anthony Tupou and Andrew Ryan.

"I can't see how they are going to score enough tries to beat this Queensland side that will be able to put on plenty of points."

Experienced market framer Gerard Daffy of Lasseters went against the tide of support for the Maroons and declared Queensland "the risk of the year".

"Queensland will have to stop off at Royal Brisbane Hospital on the way to the game to pick up half their team," said Daffy in reference to a list of star players, headed by skipper Darren Lockyer, Karmichael Hunt and Justin Hodges, who are battling injuries.

"A month ago we had them $1.50 and thought they were certainties to win game one but now we think they're a huge risk at $1.70 to win the first game and the series.

"It doesn't sit well with Queensland punters when their team is favourites."

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