THEY say you need some fortune to win an Origin game. And Queensland, you’re damn lucky.

Maroons captain Cameron Smith is likely to escape suspension for State of Origin I because his points loading from a previous charge expired seven days ago.

Smith is on Monday expected to be charged with contrary conduct for kicking South Sydney’s Issac Luke multiple times in the face.

But if the match review committee levels a grade one infringement at Smith, an early guilty plea will mean he will be free to take on the Blues at ANZ Stadium on May 27.

Smith had a 50 per cent loading threat hanging over his head from a grade one dangerous contact charge on May 10 last year when his forearm contacted with the face of Manly hooker Matt Ballin.

Loading from grade one charges only lasts for 12 months, rather than the usual two years, meaning Smith’s record was wiped clean before round nine.

media_camera Cameron Smith is on Monday expected to be charged with contrary conduct for kicking South Sydney’s Issac Luke multiple times in the face.

Ironically, the NRL changed the loading rule that will now benefit Smith after the Storm skipper was suspended from the 2008 grand final as part of a two-game ban for a grade one grapple tackle on Brisbane’s Sam Thaiday.

The NRL deemed the two-year loading carry-over too hefty and reduced it to one year for all grade one offences.

Had the Luke incident occurred a week earlier, Smith could have been charged with a grade one and — with carry-over points and loading — face being suspended for Origin I in Sydney on May 27.

A grade two offence against Smith could still see him miss Origin I but it is unlikely the charge will carry such a hefty weight.

“I don’t know what to say there,” Smith said after the game.

“I’m not too sure, probably comments on social media from people in NSW.”

Billy Slater said: “That’s unfortunate for Issac to be in that position. Cameron is not that sort of player.”

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