Smith’s comments came after Queensland Rugby League boss Ben Ikin said Slater would coach in 2026, regardless of this series’ results.
Smith said both teams would have been disappointed with their discipline in each of their losses this series so far, and had only given glimpses of their best football. But the NRL’s games record holder – who also played more than 40 Origin games for his state – predicted Queensland would ultimately prevail in game three, 24-18.
“They let themselves down in those respective matches… they allowed the opposition too much field position, [and] too much possession of the football through their lack of discipline. So I reckon we’re going to see a pretty squeaky clean game from both sides,” Smith said.
“But I think they’ve both been building for this moment in game three.”
Queensland great Smith turned the MCG maroon ahead of the State of Origin decider.Credit: Nine
The former Storm hooker said the Maroons should expect an “extremely hostile” environment playing on NSW’s home turf.
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“It’s not going to be the most ideal environment that they’ve ever been in. It’s going to be pretty uncomfortable at times, but they just need to believe in themselves and believe in each other and go out there and try and execute a great game plan.”
Smith said Queensland had already made history winning in Perth for the first time, and if the side was also victorious on Wednesday, it would be the first time the Maroons had lost game one and then played all away games to claim the series.
“If they do that, well, it’ll rate right up amongst the great victories of any Queensland team,” he said.
Smith was in Melbourne on Monday rallying locals around the Maroons.
He said, in his time spent in Melbourne, he learnt one thing in particular about Origin: “Queensland and Victoria, we really love to try and sink the boot into NSW”.
“[The Maroons are] led by their coach, Billy Slater, [a] Storm legend, and the captain, Cam Munster, who’s also a Storm legend. This is their team down here, so they might as well get behind the Maroons as well,” Smith said.
Wednesday’s decider will come just days after newly minted skipper Cameron Munster’s father passed away.
Munster exited a training camp at the weekend to be with his family, but is expected to lead the team against NSW.
“Knowing him and knowing his family… I reckon his father would love to see him run out there on Wednesday night,” Smith said. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s going to be extremely tough for him to put what’s going on over the last few days aside. But if there’s one person that I’ve come across in football that can put those things aside and just get out there for 80 minutes and play his best, it’s Cam Munster.”
Watch the State of Origin exclusive, live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now on Wednesday from 7pm AEST
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