Origin hostilities on hold

Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith is pleased long-time nemesis and rival skipper Paul Gallen will get a shot at an elusive premiership for the Cronulla Sharks in the NRL grand final.

The State of Origin skippers will renew hostilities for the sixth time this year after the Storm booked their spot in Sunday’s decider.

Smith has claimed victory in three of the five meetings between the pair this year, two of them with Queensland in the Maroons’ Origin triumph, and the third in a round 26 NRL wipeout in Melbourne.

He also has a supreme advantage in grand finals, featuring in five for three wins, while Gallen will be making his first appearance next weekend.

Smith couldn’t be any happier for interstate counterpart Gallen.

‘‘I always enjoy playing against Gal. I see him a bit because we play in the middle,’’ he said.

‘‘I’m pleased for Gal. He has waited a long time for this.

‘‘He works hard every time he pulls on the jersey. He has given a lot to the Cronulla club over many years.’’

Smith wasn’t as effusive in his appraisal of Gallen and the New South Wales team after Origin game three, when the Maroons star was left unimpressed with the Blues snubbing his victory speech in Sydney.

The Sharks captain later defended his snub by explaining that he was farewelling Blues fans.

‘‘It’s something our team wouldn’t do,’’ Smith said at the time.