Maroons skipper Cameron Smith produces State of Origin masterclass

MAROONS captain Cameron Smith produced a State of Origin masterclass to add another chapter to the story of his illustrious career.

Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith hold aloft the Origin trophy. Picture: Getty Images

CHAMPION. Legend. Immortal.

Maroons captain Cameron Smith produced a State of Origin masterclass to add another chapter to the story of his illustrious career and guide Queensland to a third-straight series victoryon Wednesday night.

The 22-6 win was not a tactical ambush from the Maroons clipboard holders and game-plan writers.

It was man-of-the-match Smith at his scheming best in a record 42nd Origin appearance.

At 34 and with nearly 450 first-grade games under his belt, Smith’s legs are not what they used to be but he sensed the occasion was big and stepped up to the plate.

Queensland’s seemingly ageless leader produced just two runs in the opening two games of the series and was critical of his performances.

Cameron Smith with an emotional Johnathan Thurston following the State of Origin decider. Picture: AAP

The Blues should have known he was ready to produce something special. Champions always do when the chips are down.

Game of Thrones star Jason Momoa, better known as Khal Drogo, was in the stands watching on as Smith pressed his claims to be the new King of Lang Park.

At halftime Smith had produced five runs (41m) and was toying with Blues defenders every touch. He would later be crowned man-of-the-match.

Smith took charge early to get Queensland moving. He ran from dummy-half, played the linkman at lock and eased Cameron Munster into his five-eighth debut, later allowing the No.6 to explode.

While Smith played the conductor, it was Billy Slater’s speed that rattled the Blues. He gave Michael Morgan a sniff and the big-play specialist put Valentine Holmes over.

Smith and Slater then combined to slice the Blues through the middle, only a desperate dive by Brett Morris stopping Cooper Cronk from finishing off the exquisite movement by “The Big Three”.

Cameron Smith celebrates victory with Cooper Cronk. Picture: Brett Costello

It looked like Smith was in slow motion when he cut through the Blues again but NSW could do little to stop him and on the next play, Cronk produced a perfect kick for Holmes to bag his second.

The Maroons looked robotic at times, much like the superbly choreographed Melbourne Storm, who provided their four key playmakers.

In contrast Blues captain Boyd Cordner was NSW’s achilles heel. He spent most of the preparation nursing a calf injury and was terribly out-of-synch with his teammates.

In Game One, NSW’s forwards bulldozed Queensland and Andrew Fifita was man-of-the-match. Last night he had just 10 runs for 66m.

Queensland won the physical contests for 75 minutes. The only time momentum swung was when the Blues brought the score back to 12-6 early in the second half.

The Blues used the same 17 players in every game and held a 1-0 series lead while Queensland blooded eight debutants. Johnathan Thurston sat in the coaches box. Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis and Matt Scott were also injured.

Everything pointed to a NSW victory but it was Queensland that delivered and it had a lot to do with Smith.