NSW legend Paul Gallen claims not even Queensland's famed underdog spirit can save their most inexperienced State of Origin team in 19 years.
The Maroons are set to roll out up to nine debutants when they announce their team for next week's series opener on Thursday, due to injuries and suspensions.
Their backline is likely to include four Origin rookies, with Kurt Capewell and Brenko Lee every chance of being named as the centre pairing.
It will leave Dane Gagai as the only member of their back five to have played Origin before, with Valentine Holmes only set to return for Game II.
There is, however, a thought that could play into the Maroons and Wayne Bennett's hands.
Bennett masterminded their 2001 series win against all odds with 10 rookies, while Queensland's efforts in 1995 and 2006 are equally famous.
But Gallen, who was on the end of 10 series defeats to Queensland's greatest ever team, said not even that could stop the Maroons from their third straight series loss.
"They want that, and if they need it they can have it. They'll get it. Because they are going to be underdogs," Gallen said.
"But I don't think it works this time.
"When you look at that Queensland roster there are 17 players who haven't played at that level before against a NSW squad that have won the last couple.
"They have experience at that level they need. You put that experience on top of the class they've got I just can't see nothing but a Blues result."
Gallen would not go as far as predicting the first NSW whitewash in 20 years.
But NSW's most capped player was confident they could wrap the series up before heading to Suncorp Stadium for a decider.
"I just think the Blues are a bit of a class above to be honest," he said.
"The Blues win the series, whether it is 3-0 or not I don't know. But I think the Blues can get it done in those first few games."
NSW players meanwhile won't allow themselves to be so bullish.
Queensland's halves combination of Cameron Munster and Daly Cherry-Evans is still the Kangaroos' first-choice pairing.
Players are also well aware the siege mentality plays right into Wayne Bennett's hands, with three of the Blues coached by him at club level.
"100 per cent it plays into his hands," Cameron Murray told AAP.
"There is no space to take Queensland lightly.They have already been labelled the underdogs, so they are exactly where they want to be.
"Regardless of who steps up into the position that they are filling, they are going to do the job for them. They always do.
"They are a great side, and they always have been regardless of who has played for them or is wearing that Maroon jersey."
Australian Associated Press
