The Gold Coast Bulletin

Spine-tingling union

- RIKKI-LEE ARNOLD

QUEENSLAND’S fantastic four of Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater have been reunited for the first time in two years to avenge the Origin I disaster and save the series.

But the Maroon marvels say they can only produce their match-winning heroics if the hulks in the pack step up to the challenge laid down by the Blues forwards.

Thurston (shoulder injury) and Slater (not selected) both missed the Suncorp Stadium shocker three weeks ago but are back to join forces with Smith and Cronk to reunite the most successful spine in Origin history. They have not played together since Game One of the 2015 series but the reunion could be what Queensland need to save the series.

At Test level, Australian stars Smith, Thurston, Cronk and Slater have never lost together as a spine, while in the Origin arena they have won every series in which they have played at least one game together, aside from 2014.

That year Cronk played just 10 minutes in the first game before breaking his arm and NSW went on to win the first two matches before the halfback’s successful return in Game Three, which prevented a series whitewash.

While Queensland were successful without Slater in the No.1 jersey last year, the fact the four are together again gives the team a lot of hope.

Thurston says the reunion will be “huge” for the Maroons as they look to square up the series with the Blues.

“We’ve obviously played a lot of football alongside each other so we know each other’s games really well,” Thurston said.

“We certainly know how to get the best out of each other. It’s huge.

“Having those three boys with me, it’s about bringing those debutants up to speed with what we’re trying to achieve and making sure they know the game plan and what we’re trying to execute.”

However, for No.9 Smith, the spine can only work their magic if the forwards open up opportunit­ies for them.

After Queensland’s pack was greatly outplayed in Game One by NSW, Smith said things have to change this time around.

“I’d like to think the experience we (the spine) have playing together will help the side but we need help from the other players to be able to do our thing,” Smith said.

“We’re not out there doing it all on our own.

“We need the other guys to play their part to give ourselves the opportunit­y to do what we do.”

 ??  ?? Rugby league greats Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston have dominated at Test and Origin level and are back together again.
Rugby league greats Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston have dominated at Test and Origin level and are back together again.
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