NRL: Smith tipping Slater to fire

Billy Slater and Cameron Smith will turn out for the Storm tonight after playing for Queensland on Wednesday. Photo / Getty Images

Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith says the fierce rivalry that exists with Brisbane will guarantee a tough NRL battle at AAMI Park on Friday night.

Two days after hosting a drama-packed State of Origin Melbourne will put on the most eagerly awaited clash between the NRL's top two sides.

Smith, halfback Cooper Cronk and fullback Billy Slater will back up from Wednesday night's Origin while Brisbane will rest a few of its representative stars, though Smith says they have the depth to cover those who can't back up.

"It all goes back to that rivalry the Storm have with the Broncos that's been simmering for a while,'' said Smith.

"Those young guys they've got get excited about coming down here to play.

"A lot of teams regard us as the benchmark and want to test themselves and they'll be no different.''

Smith is tipping Slater to fire after a mixed Origin night.

"Bill's the type of guy if he plays below his standards he gets over it pretty quickly,'' he said.

"He doesn't let those kind of errors in his game faze him too much which is probably why he is the player he is.

"He doesn't mind doing some risky things on the football field and if they don't work out, they don't work out and he'll just keep trying them.

"He'll be up for a big one against the Broncos, we all like playing against them.''

For Smith the battle to back up is more in the body than the mind.

"It's just the general soreness that you have that's the worst thing,'' he said.

"Obviously I've done it (backed up) a lot of times now so mentally I can get myself prepared.''

Smith isn't expecting to see Queensland teammate Justin Hodges, who turned 30 on Friday, take the field at any stage.

- AAP