State of Origin 2017: Queensland’s ‘big four’ are reunited for game two

IF there was any hint of complacency in the NSW camp, forget it. Queensland’s Fab Four — Billy Slater, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk and Cam Smith — are back for Origin II.

Smith, Thurston and Slater back in the 2010 series. (Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

THEY’RE the most successful foursome since The Beatles.

Billy Slater, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk and Cam Smith are back, obliterating any hint of complacency in the NSW camp ahead of State of Origin II.

The greatest spine in rugby league history have played 13 games together for Queensland, winning nine of them.

That is a smidgen short of a 70 per cent winning success rate. And the four losses have been by an average of just 6.5 points a game.

Slater and Thurston were recalled for next week’s big match at ANZ Stadium. While they remain $2.50 outsiders with the TAB, the Maroons suddenly have that intimidating edge again.

BUZZ: Famous Maroons ‘loyalty’ is dead

COMEBACK: Billy is Blues’ greatest threat

Smith, Thurston and Slater back in the 2010 series. (Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

NSW coach Laurie Daley is well aware of the threat the big four pose.

“When you bring guys like that back in, others players automatically lift,’’ Daley said. “We are under no illusions how tough it’s going to be.

“But I am confident that if can play the way we want to play then we can win. It will go a long toward winning if we can limit their opportunities. We will be ready.”

The Maroons are already talking about a changing of the guard — a win next week would confirm the 11-year dynasty is well and truly over.

“We have to be better than what we were in game one,” Daley said. “That will be a big ask and it will be one of our toughest tests.

“We just have to make sure we prepare as well as what we did in game one, if not better.”