Retiring Queensland skipper Darren Lockyer predicted more pain for NSW when player of the series Cameron Smith takes over at the helm of Origin’s most dominant dynasty next year.
Lockyer signed off after a record 36 interstate clashes – and a record sixth straight series win – when Queensland won last night’s decider 34-22 at Suncorp Stadium.
However, the legendary pivot believes the Maroons will extend their reign to a seventh year under Smith – who won the man of the match award in both Queensland victories this year, plus the Wally Lewis Medal as man of the series.
Lockyer also dubbed Smith’s Melbourne team-mate Cooper Cronk as the man to fill his legendary boots, with Johnathan Thurston moving to No 6 and the Storm superstar to his customary No 7 jersey after playing as a utility this year.
“They will still have the team to win, having Cameron as their leader will make them tough to beat,” Lockyer said.
“Cooper Cronk has been chomping at the bit to be a 80-minute player at this level and I think he’ll do a good job.”
Coach Mal Meninga paid tribute to his captain but stopped short of rating him above Lewis or former Queensland halfback Allan Langer in the Origin pantheon.
“(Lockyer’s) at the top, there’s no doubt, the thing is how he goes about his business, the way he’s so humble about his achievements is a real mark of a man,” Meninga said.
“I’m lucky he’s been the leader of this footy team.
“The team did the job and sent him out a winner, the way he deserved to be.
“Wally (Lewis) was fantastic, Alfie (Langer) was great, so is Darren.”
Meninga declared Queensland’s overwhelming opening 35 minutes where the most anticipated Origin in history were won and lost.
Queensland led 24-0 before NSW got on the board with two tries late in the first half.
“We controlled everything in the opening 30 minutes, it was a dream,” Meninga said.
“You’ve got to execute well, we have the players to do that, it’s a testament to the Queensland jersey.”
Thurston will go for scans on an injured knee today after he was taken from the field in a medicab in the 59th minute after an accidental collision with team-mate Ashleigh Harrison while tackling Anthony Watmough.
Meninga – who now shares the record for Origin series wins with Phil Gould – predicted the Kangaroos half could be back before the end of the season.
“Our medical staff say it’s a grade two medial (ligament) and if that’s the case, it’s a four-to-eight-week injury,” Meninga said.
“Obviously he’ll go for scans and find out.”
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