Qld rally around Smith ahead of Origin

Queensland backrower Corey Parker says the team is rallying behind Cameron Smith after the skipper copped scathing criticism from Alex McKinnon ahead of Wednesday night’s State of Origin decider.

Ex-Newcastle forward McKinnon told Channel Nine’s 60 Minutes program on Sunday night he remained upset over on-field comments made by Melbourne’s Smith following the tackle that ended his NRL career in March last year.

McKinnon said he believed Smith’s on-field comments implied the Knights forward had been somewhat to blame for a spinal injury suffered in a three-man tackle.

“In a team there are times when you lean on each other and this is one of those times,” Parker said.

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