Newly appointed Queensland Maroons assistant Cameron Smith has opened up on what it means to again have the honour of representing his beloved state.
Smith, who is perhaps considered the greatest rugby league player of all-time, was on Tuesday announced as a Queensland assistant with his former teammate and fellow state legend Billy Slater as head coach.
Alongside Smith as assistants is Maroons great Johnathan Thurston and Cronulla assistant Josh Hannay, with many describing the quartet as a coaching dream team.
While he’s widely renowned as one of the game’s best minds, Smith spoke of how proud he felt to be considered an option to help lead the state’s side in the Origin arena.
“I’m really proud and chuffed that Bill considered me to join his coaching staff,” Smith said on SEN 1170 The Captain’s Run.
“To be alongside Johnathan (Thurston) and Josh (Hannay) as well, it feels good.
“I must say, I’ve spoken about this before – it’s a team, a jersey, the people and the state of Queensland that I’m very passionate about. It was disappointing to watch the series unfold the way it did last year.
“The major thing for Bill and the way he’s spoken about him taking over as coach and the difference he wants to make is just stripping back what it actually means to play state of Origin for Queensland, what it means to play for that jersey.
“It’s making sure the current players understand the standards around being a Queensland Origin player and actually remind them who they’re representing and what it’s all about.”
With the importance of the Maroons jersey and culture not lost on Smith and his coaching staff, he detailed why State of Origin is so important, particularly in Queensland.
“It’s not just another game of rugby league … it’s much bigger than that,” Smith said.
“The NRL, it’s a big business, it’s a big organisation and it’s results based – State of Origin is too, but it’s much bigger than that.
“When you think about what State of Origin does for the followers of the game, it’s what Queenslanders I believe live for.
“They can’t wait for the Origin series come around every year and watch their heroes go out and represent them.
“When they wake up that following morning after an Origin game, they’re proud, they’re proud of that footy side.”
While Smith is sentimental about the Queensland Origin side, he says his eyes will be firmly set on his goal of ensuring the playing group is ready to go come game day.
“My role is all about trying to help Bill in his first year, that’s what I’m thinking about,” Smith said.
“I’m just trying to give the players I’ll be working with to be at their best on Thursday.
“We’re working with the best of the best, we’re working with the elite players of the competition, they know how to play.”
The 2022 State of Origin series kicks off on June 8 in Sydney before the series heads to Perth and finally Brisbane.