Des Morris believes Cameron Smith’s place amongst the greats has already been sealed

A QUEENSLAND State of Origin selector believes Cameron Smith’s future immortal status is already sealed despite missing out on leading a clean sweep.

Cameron Smith of the Maroons celebrates victory after game two. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

A QUEENSLAND State of Origin selector believes Cameron Smith’s place among the immortals of rugby league is already sealed despite missing out on leading a Maroons clean sweep.

Having a led Queensland to its 10th Origin win in 11 years, a 3-0 victory could have completed an incredible series for Smith, who also surpassed former teammate and future immortal Darren Lockyer for the most games in a Maroons jersey and won his third Wally Lewis Medal.

But Des Morris said the 33-year-old had already secured his place amongst the game’s greats.

“He’s (Smith) already up there with the best to ever play the game in my opinion,” he said.

“He has the ability to change a game when he wants to like the greats did in the past. He obviously changes it in different ways but he has that ability.

QLD's Cameron Smith lifts the Origin shield during game 3 of the 2016 Origin series between the NSW Blues and the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium , Homebush .Picture : Gregg Porteous

“As far as immortal status, I think he is right up there. If we are talking about achievements, his list would beat most others I’d think. He has had an incredible career and he continues to do it at the highest level despite getting older.”

Smith has been part of all 10 series victories for Queensland after making his State of Origin debut in 2003.

The Logan Brothers junior has also won the Dally M Medal, the Golden Boot and a premiership with the Melbourne Storm.

“He’s just so professional all the time, no matter what, he never gets irate, keeps a cool head and is a great leader,” Morris said.

Morris also heaped praise on retiring Queensland and Brisbane Broncos lock Corey Parker, another Logan Brothers junior, labelling him as one of the best off-loaders he has ever seen.

QLD's Corey Parker farewells the crowd after game 3 of the 2016 State of Origin series between the NSW Blues and Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. Picture: Brett Costello

“Corey’s had a tremendous career, obviously battling back from several hurdles during his career to achieve what he has is pretty good,” Morris said.

“There have been some great off-loaders in the game, especially in the old days, and he’s amongst them. In the modern era, he’s probably the best.

“The special thing about Corey is that people know what he’s going to do but he just continued to do it.”