MAROONS skipper Cameron Smith had better come up with a Queensland victory in tonight's State of Origin rugby league clash or he might face some embarrassing questions next time he comes to Cairns for a family barbecue.

"I really hope he wins it. For his sake, he had better," Smith’s uncle and Woree resident John Singh said.

"But I reckon they’ll do fine. He’s a great boy and I think he will do a great job."

Mr Singh said the family was excited about tonight’s match against NSW.

Daughters Tamara and Jacinta travelled to Brisbane last night to cheer on their favourite relative from the grandstands of Suncorp Stadium.

But their mum Trish Singh, who will be watching the game from home, said she was certain her nephew would give it his best shot.

"I’ve known him my entire life and he’s just one of those really nice guys," Mrs Singh said.

"Over the years we have seen him grow as a player and really seen him come into his own."

Melbourne Storm hooker Smith, 24, was handed the Maroons captaincy after first choice skipper and five-eight h Darren Lockyer was sidelined with a knee injury.

Former Queensland prop Gavin Allen last night urged the Maroons to take on NSW enforcers Willie Mason, Greg Bird and Paul Gallen without fear.

Cairns product Allen, still regarded among the hardest men to have played for Queensland, urged the Maroons forwards to dominate the Blues pack and lay a platform for their backs.

"You have to dominate those guys, you have to play aggressive against them,’’ the veteran of eight Origin contests said.

"They’re nothing special, they’re just like any other player, it’s just the attitude you take in against them."

Pubs and clubs across the Far North are gearing up for a bumper night of profits with massive crowds expected to turn out to watch Queensland’s do-or-die Origin.

Kim from The Courthouse Hotel said they were expecting their outdoor big screen to attract plenty of punters
tonight.

"We’re hoping for a really big crowd," she said.

"The place was packed last time with people coming in to see it and we’re thinking it will be again."

Innisfail’s Crown Hotel staff are also gearing up for a busy night after recently opening their new beer garden.

Origin II kicks off at 8pm on WIN with Queensland $1.65 favourites ahead of NSW at $2.20.

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