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O’Neill fits the Qld Origin mould: Smith

Queensland hooker Cameron Smith believes his young Melbourne teammate Justin O’Neill would do a super job if given a crack at the Maroons’ wing spot vacated by the injured Jharal Yow Yeh.

O’Neill, 21, scored a hat-trick of tries in Saturday night’s 44-10 thumping of Penrith that included two brilliant long range efforts.

“I think he’s certainly capable of doing a great job in Origin. He’s a wonderful player … it’s just a matter of him backing his abilities,” Smith said.

“… I know Justin fits the mould but at the end of the day I’m not too sure if Mal (Meninga) thinks he’s ready or not. If he does that’s great and I think he’d do a great job.”

O’Neill, who made his debut for the Storm in 2010, has been part of the emerging Queensland squad for the past two years and is hopeful of playing in Meninga’s team to face NSW in game one in Melbourne on May 23.

“At the moment I’m just worried about playing good footy for the Storm but there’s definitely a spot open in the Queensland side. I’ll keep trying to play good footy here and see what happens,” O’Neill said.

“I’ve really enjoyed being part of the emerging camps and I’m hoping I can get a call up to the side.

“I think playing at club level with Billy (Slater), Cooper (Cronk) and Cameron (Smith) certainly works in my favour when it comes to selection.

The victory over Penrith leaves Melbourne unbeaten this year and four points clear at the top of the table. The win over the Panthers makes it a Storm club record ninth straight victory.

Melbourne are away to high-flying Cronulla next Sunday and O’Neill is expecting a tough match.

“We know every team is looking to aim up against us and we have to be ready for the Sharks … they’ve played some great footy this year and we know they’ll be coming at us hard,” he said.

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