Smith dishes out special treatment to JT

Several times during Saturday's NRL match between Melbourne and North Queensland Cameron Smith left Johnathan Thurston sprawled on the Suncorp Stadium turf.

Each time the Queensland State of Origin skipper then helped his Maroons teammate back to his feet.

The two great mates found themselves on opposite sides at the home of Queensland rugby league for the first time and it was clear Smith was giving nothing away.

Most times Thurston kicked the ball it was the Storm hooker who would then drive him into the ground.

Smith said that's nothing exceptional, Thurston is simply too good a player to not be put under any pressure.

What was different though was the fact Smith would then help Thurston back to his feet.

"Each time I did it I was thinking 'I hope Craig (Bellamy, Storm coach) didn't see that'," Smith said.

"He's gonna chip me for it. He picked up a kicking tee for me a couple of times ... paid me back there.

"I guess that's a bit of a respect thing ... I don't do that every time."