Generation Next can step up: Smith

CAMERON Smith has joined fellow Maroons greats Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk in calling it quits, but he is adamant Queensland’s Generation Next can continue their Origin stranglehold over the Blues.

The likes of Ben Hunt, Cameron Munster and Andrew McCullough will be charged with spearheading Queensland’s next chapter when the team for Origin I at Melbourne on June 6 is named today.

After his side’s 7-6 win over the Cowboys in Townsville on Friday, Smith was bullish about Queensland’s chances of winning a 12th series in 13 years without their trio of playmakers.

“I don’t think there’s zero expectation, I’m quite certain this Queensland team is going to be a pretty handy footy team that Kevvie (Walters, coach) picks,” Smith said.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty about this Blues team as well. You hear a lot of talk that there’s going to be a fair few new faces, a lot of debutants.

“They’re under pressure to play well also, I’m extremely confident our team can play extremely well in this series.

“I’m excited about seeing some young guys … show everyone what they’re made of.”

Friday’s match looks likely to be the final time Smith and Thurston will square off against each other after the Cowboys finals hopes took a huge blow with a ninth loss in 12 games.

But Smith is confident his great mate can spearhead a Cowboys revival in his final season before retirement.

“I do (feel for him) because I like to see JT succeed,” Smith said. “Tonight (Friday) he performed like in every game he has in his career, right to the end. He was trying to get the ball in his hands every chance he could get to make something happen for his team, but fortunately for us he couldn’t get that field goal (to tie the game).

“I don’t think either of us really thought about it being the last time we will play against each other.

“There’s still a strong chance we can meet again, but if it was the last time it was a nice way to finish (for me).”