Depleted Queensland Up Against it for Origin THREE
Cameron Smith laying the law down to the Maroons. Photo: Getty
Story by Paul MacKenzie
DESPITE OVERSEEING a decade of dominance, Cameron Smith says he would rate a State of Origin series win this year by an injury-depleted Queensland as the most satisfying of his glittering career.
The Maroons skipper on Monday played down concerns for Billy Slater after the veteran fullback rolled his ankle at training days before potentially his final Origin match – Wednesday night’s series decider in Brisbane.
Even if Slater plays, Queensland must still try to extend their dynasty without a string of Maroons greats – prop Matt Scott (knee), five-eighth Johnathan Thurston (shoulder), X-factor Greg Inglis (knee) and speedster Darius Boyd (thumb).
The star quartet has played a total of 117 Origin games.
And that does not include 19-Origin lock Corey Parker who retired at the end of 2016.
Smith has been a Maroons mainstay for all 10 series wins by Queensland since they launched their dominant era in 2006, missing just one game since his 2003 Origin debut.
However, this year has been the most tumultuous since Smith’s reign began in 2012 after the injury hit Maroons were forced to blood eight debutants and use 26 players – the most by Queensland in an Origin series.