New South Wales Blues legend Paul Gallen has taken a cheeky swipe at the people of Townsville ahead of their historic State of Origin match on Wednesday.

It is the first time Townsville has hosted an Origin match after Game I was moved from the Melbourne Cricket Ground amid COVID-19 fears.

Writing for the Wide World of Sports website, Gallen believes Queensland Country Bank Stadium doesn’t have the same aura as somewhere like Lang Park.

“I think the opener, while it’s a good thing for rugby league and a good think for the people of North Queensland and Townsville, it’s not the traditional home of Origin,” Gallen said.

“It doesn’t have that aura about it that Suncorp does.

“So, I don’t think they’ll [NSW] be too fazed about it. They’re a quality side, the Blues, and they’ll be able to overcome it.”

The Blues will start favourites with the bookies with the Maroons outsiders at $2.50.