In the Maroon of Queensland they operate like clockwork, but Kangaroos hooker Cameron Smith admits something went a cropper against New Zealand with Australia's playmaking triumvirate.

Smith along with halfback Johnathan Thurston and skipper Darren Lockyer have been the driving force behind Queensland unparalleled run of four straight State of Origin series wins - a pillar of consistency against a helpless NSW outfit.

But against New Zealand in last week's Four Nations opener, the trio played like they had just met each other for the first time, the normally well-oiled Australian machine grinding to halt as a result.

"We had a lot of chances to get over the line but we were just pretty average with the footy," Smith said.

"The dynamics are different in this side to the Origin side and we play a different style of football than what we do with Queensland.

"There needs to be a little adjusting with us three in this team compared to what we do in Origin.

"It's almost like clockwork now with Queensland when we get into camp - we know the way we want to play whereas it's a bit different to the way Tim (Australian coach Tim Sheens) wants us to play.

"Obviously we didn't adjust to that well enough against New Zealand."

Lockyer could see the struggles, but felt helpless to do anything about it on the field.

He now hopes a week of training and some heart-to-hearts have helped rectify the problem ahead of Saturday's clash with England in Wigan.

"It was frustrating to be honest," Lockyer said.

"The communication just wasn't there.

"JT, me and Smithy sat down after the game and had a chat about it and basically simplified things a bit."

The Australians were given the day off on Thursday before moving camp to Wigan on Friday morning.

There they will have a training run at DW Stadium, with Sheens indicating he would meet with referee Steve Ganson to iron out a few concerns over interpretations ahead of Saturday's match.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP