Smith warns Blues

GOLD COAST, Qld:  Much is made of Queensland’s lousy State of Origin record in Sydney.
But captain Cameron Smith reckons the Blues should be more concerned with another Maroons record — last year’s 52-6 demolition of NSW in Brisbane. Smith says the stunning eight tries to one Origin III victory last year should remind NSW what the veteran Maroons are still capable of going into the 2016 series at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium tomorrow night.
Queensland are sweating on Cooper Cronk, with the veteran halfback expected to be given until the last moment to overcome an ankle injury.
It’s been a distraction to a Maroons side boasting seven players on the wrong side of age 30 hoping to improve its recent Sydney record of just two wins in six games.
But Smith said Queensland were backing themselves to produce another powerhouse display and shatter their Sydney hoodoo — with or without Cronk.
“We played really well in that game (52-6) when a lot of people doubted our ability to put in those types of performances,” Smith said.
“It was a bit of a reminder to everyone how good a side we are and what we are capable of doing.
“There’s a bit of confidence in the group after our performance in game three. That performance will help us  tomorrow.
“We need to turn up and at least try and play the same way.”
The record win sealed Queensland’s ninth series triumph in 10 years.
Smith had no doubt NSW would still be hurting from that humiliation.
“They had a record score put on them,” he said.
“They will be thinking about that a fair bit.”
Smith also had a chuckle over NSW claiming Queensland were playing mind games over Cronk’s ankle injury.
“There’s been a bit said …about us playing mind games — there’s no mind games at all,” Smith said.
Smith had confidence in Michael Morgan stepping up if needed in Cronk’s absence after shining at the Maroons’ week-long camp. – AAP