8 Jul 2015

Maroons skipper to bring up milestone in Origin decider

2:37 pm on 8 July 2015

The Queensland captain Cameron Smith will join fellow Queenslander Darren Lockyer as the most capped State of Origin rugby league player of all time when he takes the field in tonight's decider in Brisbane.

Lockyer will make his 36th appearance for Queensland, with the series level at one all.

In the buildup to the match Smith has been heavily criticised by Alex McKinnon over comments following the tackle that left McKinnon paralysed, ending his NRL career in March last year.

Queensland captain Cameron Smith

Queensland captain Cameron Smith Photo: Photosport

McKinnon believes Smith implied the Newcastle Knights forward had some how been to blame for his spinal injury.

Meanwhile the New South Wales captain Paul Gallen is urging his side to "embrace the hate" they will encounter from Queensland fans.

Gallen is one of Origin's all-time reviled figures as far as Queensland fans are concerned and with the series on the line the Cronulla skipper is expecting an emotionally charged atmosphere.

Gallen says his side can't afford to be overwhelmed or think of it as a daunting atmosphere.

He says he enjoys playing at Suncorp stadium and Queensland fans can be as hostile as they want, it's up to the Blues to quieten them down.