State of Origin 2017: Cameron Smith puts heat on referees ahead of game two

QUEENSLAND have arrived in NSW armed with their ever-reliable Ref Cam — after Cameron Smith again turned the pressure on the Origin II referees.

Cameron Smith got his referee chat in early for Origin II. Photo: Peter Wallis

THE enemy have arrived in Sydney, armed with mind games, their cunning best and a defiant belief they can spoil a statewide party.

Not only has Queensland captain Cameron Smith declared the Maroons “extremely confident” of levelling the series 1-1 against NSW on Wednesday night at ANZ Stadium, he’s also praised the whistleblowers, as only “Referee Smith” can.

Smith has turned up the heat in the countdown to Origin II, once again displaying his power of influence to declare match officials Matt Cecchin and Gerard Sutton will ensure Johnathan Thurston is protected from a Blues game-plan focused on the star half spending the majority of the match on his backside.

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Cameron Smith brings his baggage to Sydney. Photo: Peter Wallis

“There’s rules in place and the referees do a great job at enforcing those rules,’’ Smith said.

“I’m sure there’s going to be a little bit of heat coming towards JT, but I don’t think there’s been a game he’s played in his entire career where people haven’t come at him.

“If there’s any rules broken then the referees will blow their whistle.’’

The Maroons arrived in Sydney on Monday evening needing to overcome a 30-year Origin hoodoo if they are to save the series and set up a Suncorp Stadium decider. Not since 1987 has a Queensland side rescued a series in Sydney after losing game one in Brisbane.

The TAB released figures to show the reigning champions were holding 60 per cent of the early money.

Will Billy Slater’s return be enough for Queensland? Photo: Peter Wallis

A confident Smith suggested the punters were on the mark, while also backing Thurston to rise to the fore despite playing just 160 minutes in 74 days.

“We’re really looking forward to setting up camp in enemy territory,’’ Smith said.

“We know it’s going to be a huge occasion. It will be a big crowd facing a Blues team that’s going to be very confident.

“I don’t think we’re on the canvas. We’re extremely confident that we can play well and level the series.

“I know this is JT’s last series and there’s a lot of talk about that and the way he’s going to play. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen him lift for occasions. I’ve always seen him put in the same performance every time he’s played.

“He’s the ultra-competitor and I’m sure you’ll be seeing him do the same things he always does every time he plays footy.

“It’s not just for Australia or Queensland, it’s playing club football for the Cowboys as well. He doesn’t change the way he approaches his footy games.

“We’re one-nil down, we’re the ones who have to go to Sydney and win. We’re not shying away from that pressure.’’

Johnathan Thurston gets some attention on arrival. Photo: Peter Wallis

Smith said the greatest battle for their four debutants Valentine Holmes, Coen Hess, Jarrod Wallace and Tim Glasby was handling their pre-match nerves.

“I just want to make sure that they’re mental preparation is right for the game,’’ Smith said.

“This is going to be the biggest game that they’ve played in their entire career so there’s a lot of preparation you need to do in your head to be ready for what’s coming.

“I don’t think the amount of work you can do on the field or even watching State of Origin can prepare you mentally for the game.

“You ask any debutant after they’ve played their first game and they say they couldn’t believe how fast it was, how physical it was and how much intensity was played over the entire match.

“You want to make sure their head space is right. I haven’t seen any indication it isn’t so far.’’