Cocky Cameron Smith declares Daly Cherry-Evans to be architect of Blues misery

Cameron Smith believes the Blues are on the backfoot heading into Origin II and Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans is primed to tear New South Wales apart.

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Cameron Smith has declared a fully-fit Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans will reap “misery” on NSW by running away with the State of Origin series in front of a sold-out Optus Stadium in Perth.

Goading the Blues with brash confidence, the Maroons great also turned the heat-up on Brad Fittler by claiming it was “make or break” for the Blues who he also questioned could struggle to come together as a group after making seven changes.

Retiring from the representative arena last year, Smith proved with his comments at a sponsors luncheon in Perth that he continues to take great delight in tormenting the Blues.

“It’s do or die - this is make or break for NSW,’’ Smith said.

“It’s a completely environment in both camps.

“I reckon Queensland have been quite relaxed without being inside their camp.

“They would’ve taken a lot of confidence from their performance in game one, particularly the second-half.

Smith dominated Origin for so long. AAP Image/Dan Peled.

“Where as NSW, they’ve made seven changes from game one to game two.

“It's a short period of time to try and get their combinations and their game plans sorted for this match on Sunday.

“So if you’re looking at a build-up and who should be favoured to go out and play well, it should be Queensland and I’m very happy about that.’’

Cherry-Evans was reserved for special mention by Smith, who sat on stage at a luncheon for 400 guests alongside the Maroons captain and Queensland coach Kevin Walters.

Smith predicted that Cherry-Evans would pose a greater run-threat to the Blues in front of a capacity 60,000-seat Optus Stadium than what he was able to provide in Origin I in Brisbane - the Manly playmaker’s first game back from tightrope surgery on his ankle.

“He (Cherry-Evans) was fantastic and I thought he led the team around beautifully, particularly in the second-half,’’ Smith said.

“And particularly coming off a severe ankle injury. Daly hadn’t played a game for seven weeks, but he came in and played extremely well.

“When I was sitting at home watching, I was thinking, I don’t think he’s 100 per cent right here.

Cherry-Evans could claim his first series as Queensland captain. AAP Image/Darren England.

“He was good enough to be on the field, but I don’t think he was 100 per cent himself.

“I think he’s going to be even better for that run and I think we’re going to see more of a running game from Daly on Sunday.

“That ankle is going to be a lot better and I think that just spells a little bit more misery for the Blues.’’

Cherry-Evans stopped short of handing over the Maroons attacking game-plan, but conceded he wanted to step-up his running game.

“It’s something I really didn’t do in game one,’’ Cherry-Evans said.

“I’m preparing to play my best game on Sunday and part of that involves running the football, so it’s certainly on the cards.

“I’ve gained so much confidence the last few weeks with getting tackled, kicking the ball around, so the way I’m moving around, I’m more confident in my ability and [hopefully] showcasing all the skills I have.’’

Posing for promotional photos and media for an excited city of Perth, Cherry-Evans and NSW captain Boyd Cordner shook hands for a final time before Sunday night’s kick-off.

You could sense Cherry-Evans was aware how close he is to joining a long-list of Queensland captains to have wrapped-up the series.

The crew try to get their heads around the Blues selection policy for Origin II and ask if it’s a version of the Simpsons “Homermobile” plus Latrell Mitchell’s future and Matty goes to the movies.

“I’m aware of the situation we’re in, it’s 100 per cent got me more committed and focused than I’ve ever been to help this side win on the weekend,’’ Cherry-Evans said.

“I have thought of those moments. I love rugby league, I love thinking about it and watching it and I do dream of those moments.

“That’s why I understand what is at stake this weekend, which is why I’m so excited.’’

The Blues are ready to spring the upset though, with fiery forward Tyson Frizell claiming the team was ready to prove the doubters wrong.

“No one is giving us a chance. I haven’t read too much but I guess there has been a lot of (criticism) about the team and staff,” Frizell said.

“And a lot of that has come from a lot our fans and the people that back us. Hopefully we can change that opinion and get them back on board with us.

“We are going to go and do a job a job for us as a team. We believe in one another and the side Freddie (Brad Fittler, coach) has picked.

“We will put on a show, give our all and do our best to come away with the win and get the NSW fans back on our side. It’s part of the rivalry and shows how passionate fans are for their state.”

NSW will finalise their preparations with a captain’s run this afternoon at Optus Stadium.

Queensland will start $1.90 favourites with the TAB, NSW the $1.94 outsiders.