Wounded hooker Cameron Smith is prepared to sacrifice his unbeaten streak of 19 straight State of Origin games rather than leave Queensland at the mercy of NSW in Sydney next Wednesday night.

Smith, who's battling an elbow injury suffered in this month's Test against New Zealand, is within sight of Gary Larson's Origin record of 24 consecutive games.

But the Storm rake said on Tuesday he would not be selfish and play the series opener unless he felt he could "do my job" properly and not leave Queensland short-handed against the Blues.

"I'd hate to put on a jersey in Sydney and go out on the field and in the first 10 minutes re-injure it and leave the side with 16 men.

"That would be a selfish move.

"I pride myself in being a very durable player - I've played 19 Origins in a row.

"Obviously I'd like to keep that record going but I'd rather sacrifice it than jeopardise the side's chances of winning.

"I've already told Mal that if there's any doubt about me getting through the 80 minutes, or not being able to do my job properly, then I'll sit the game out.

Manly hooker Matt Ballin will join the Queensland team in camp at Coolum on the Sunshine Coast to train until Smith can do some contact work, probably on Saturday or Sunday when a decision will be made if he plays Origin No.20.

"Structurally, it's all fine. It[s healed up quite well but if you've had this kind of injury, there's a fair bit of swelling and some damage to the back of the elbow which is restricting my range of movement," said Smith.

"I spoke to the physio as soon as I got up here and he's pretty confident he can get some movement back in it this week.

"If we can do that, then I guess I am a big chance of playing."

Smith, who has a partial dislocation and some separation in the elbow joint, said it would be Meninga's decision how much time he was given.

"I'd think I'd have to be training by Saturday or Sunday," he said.

"I've been part of the team for a long time now so I know what our game plan is likely to be.

"But if I can't tackle a front rower or throw a 20-metre pass, then I know I won't be able to do my job properly."

Meninga was comfortable with the decision to carry Smith.

"He's an honest person and he wants what's best for the footy side - I am keeping my fingers crossed that he will be available," he said.

"He's a fairly resilient and tough character, he loves the maroon jersey and wants to run out next Wednesday night."

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