Queensland vice-captain Cameron Smith has until tomorrow to decide if he’ll be fit enough to play in next Wednesday’s State of Origin.

Meanwhile, Blues centre Timana Tahu has shaken off his injury concerns declaring himself a certain starter for Origin one.

Lizzie Stafford reports.

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TRANSCRIPT

Cameron Smith’s Origin future remains in doubt.

His elbow injury again prevented him from taking part in a team training run on the Sunshine Coast.

But he’s optimistic.

Cameron Smith, Queensland Hooker: “I think I’m a better chance than what I was at the start of the camp – it’s come along nicely.”

He must make the call tomorrow whether he’ll be fit enough to play next week.

There is better news for New South Wales with centre Timana Tahu cleared for next Wednesday’s match.

Tahu ran for the first time on Thursday after an ankle injury put in question his return to Origin football.

The likelihood of plenty of spite in Wednesday’s game was raised when a fired-up Blues forward Anthony Watmough warned the Maroons to “watch their backs”.

And Queensland captain Darren Lockyer has called for referees to assert their authority in Wednesday night’s opener.

Lockyer said it was up to the referees to keep the two sides apart.

Lizzie Stafford, QUT News