IT’S Cameron Smith or bust for Queensland in State of Origin 2018.

That’s the drastic assessment of former Blues playmaker Braith Anasta, who says Kevin Walters must coax Cameron Smith out of retirement for one last dig in a Maroons jersey.

Anasta believes Andrew McCullough’s failure to make an impact in Game I and his questionable performance against the Storm last Sunday means the Queensland have only option — call Smith’s number.

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“If Queensland have any chance of winning the series they have to bring Cameron Smith back into the side,” Anasta said.

“I don’t believe they can win it with McCullough at No.9. They took him off in Game I when they needed points.

“It shows a lack of trust, it shows he probably isn’t what they’re looking for.

“I love McCullough and I don’t want to disrespect him but Cameron Smith is best mates with Billy Slater and it’s Billy’s last Origin series.”

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One last hurrah? Source: Getty Images

Anasta believes Queenslanders would be “frothing” at the prospect of hauling Smith back into the side, ala Allan Langer’s drastic recall for the Maroons for Game III in 2001 when the crafty No.7 led Wayne Bennett’s side to a series victory.

And with NSW set to field the same side that produced a healthy 22-12 win in Game I, Anasta says of Queensland calling Smith back into the side for Game II: “It’s their only shot.”

“They need something, they need a drastic change,” he said.

Will Kevin Walters pick up the phone to Cameron Smith? Source: AAP

“NSW will improve Game II. QLD will not improve.

“The changes that they are looking to make without Cameron Smith or even Cooper Cronk coming back in are not significant enough for them to win that game.

“They’ve got to get one of their greats back.”