Qld out to break NSW self belief

Queensland are determined to complete a 3-0 whitewash to ensure NSW do not carry self belief into next year’s State of Origin series, captain Cameron Smith says.

The Maroons can clinch only their fifth clean sweep in Wednesday night’s Origin III at ANZ Stadium after sealing their 10th series win in 11 years.

“We can’t afford not to put in a good performance because that can give them (NSW) a bit of self belief and momentum into next series,” Smith said before the Queensland team flew to Sydney on Monday.

Smith said Queensland coach Kevin Walters had upped the ante at training at their Gold Coast training camp to ensure there was no complacency.

“There is no lack of motivation. We spoke about our mindset towards this match and where it needs to be at and I don’t see any issues,” he said.

“If anything Kevvie has made this camp a little more intense.

“That’s the issue we can fall into, a bit of complacency in this game.

“No matter what happens we get to lift the shield but the result matters to us and everyone in Queensland.

“We are going down there to make it 3-0 – no secret about it.”

Smith believed there was pressure on NSW to provide a fitting farewell for departing captain Paul Gallen.

“They want to send their captain out a winner, I have no doubt,” he said.

“And there’s a little bit of pressure on the Blues because who wants to lose 3-0, particularly at home.

“Losing two games at home wouldn’t be a nice feeling either.”

The Maroons will farewell one of their own on Wednesday night – retiring lock Corey Parker will play his 19th and final Origin.

Queensland have won the past six game three Origin matches, losing their last in 2009 in Brisbane when attempting a clean sweep.

Smith will play a record 39th game for Queensland.

Walters has the chance to become just the third Origin coach in history to clinch a whitewash in his first year in charge, joining NSW’s Ron Willey (1986) and Queensland’s Paul Vautin (1995).

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