Anything Darren does, Cam can too.
Cameron Smith will join Darren Lockyer in the elite 300-game club when he leads the Melbourne Storm out against Penrith in their NRL clash on Friday night.
The 32-year-old has followed the Broncos great into the Queensland and Test captaincy roles and has also equalled Lockyer’s 36 Origin games.
Smith said he rated Lockyer as the most complete footballer he’d come up against in his career that started in Melbourne back in 2002.
“He had every aspect that you needed to be a good footballer going for him – speed, vision, awareness and he was quite strong for a smaller bloke,” Smith said.
While Smith shares many of those attributes, he said the most important one Lockyer had was composure.
“That’s something that I drew off as a young guy.
“I looked up to him and I was lucky to get the opportunity to play alongside him many times with Queensland and Australia.
“Composure is something I learnt a lot from him on the football field and how to be a good leader.”
Smith has no plans to scale back his representative commitments as long as he remains fit and healthy and it doesn’t impact on the Storm.
“I think when representative duties start affecting your club performances then that’s the time to look at that,” Smith said.
“But, at the moment, I don’t feel it’s affecting my role at the Melbourne Storm, it’s easy to say that coming off a State-of-Origin victory.
“Physically I feel good, mentally I feel good. I’m enjoying my football as much as ever.
“Darren Lockyer did it right up until he finished up at 35 or 36, so I’m only 32 – time will come where I will have to make a decision either way.”
With three years left on his contract, Smith has Lockyer’s 355 game total in sight, while he will surpass his Origin caps next season.
He says he will know when his time is up.
“I don’t want to be a guy who overstays his welcome in any arena, whether it’s international, State of Origin or club footy.
“I want to be able to go out while I’m still contributing.”
KillaKanga
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the fill-in , I was not aware of what an absolute cad the fellow is. ;-)
KillaKanga
Roar Rookie
david "Cameron smith is the biggest grub the game has ever seen" Any chance you would supply firsthand proof to back up your primary school name calling ?
nopuritan
Guest
You think that's bad? I heard when he was in grade 2 in primary school he used to sit behind a girl called Rachael and pull her pigtails!
Baz
Guest
All I hear is... Waaah, waaah, waaah.....
Ben
Guest
Immortal status should not be granted to a player who was part of a cheating side than stole 2 premierships... That said Joey Johns was made an Immortal despite playing on drugs so I guess it doesn't matter any does it?
Joe
Roar Rookie
Great milestone for Cam Smith. Great player and will go down as the best 9 to play the game. According to Bellamy best player he's ever seen and won't argue with that. Hope the Storm win it for him on Friday as they're badly needing a win after 4 losses in a row to get their season back on track. The loss of Billy Slater has been massive! Next week it will be Dragons in NZ, maybe they should have rethought that one as the home ground advantage would have been massive considering AAMI has been a graveyard for the Dragons.
david webb
Guest
No worries champ you should read storm clouds and why did some of the players agents get in trouble when they cheated smith does not have a manager so he would've known what he was doing when he signed his second contract
John
Guest
Another day, another milestone - Smith will retire from rugby league as the most decorated player in the history of the sport. Unfortunately for you David, those lemons are going to taste especially sour over the next four years!
david webb
Guest
Cameron smith is the biggest grub the game has ever seen
Renegade
Roar Guru
Great to see Cam reach another milestone - hopefully a big crowd turns up in Melbourne on Friday night to appreciate his achievement. You'd hate to be playing the storm in this game, specially if a big crowd turns up.... they've gotta win don't though?
maximillian
Guest
Well done Cameron. He should also follow Lockyer & be an immortal in the future.
Billy
Guest
cunning manipulation or just has a good understanding of the rules and their "interpretations"?
Samtwocan
Guest
The bloke sheets me to tears when he's on the opposition and that says it all . A remarkable athlete and surprisingly cunning when it comes to manipulating officialdom. Just a shame his mum and dad didn't move to Wagga when he was a boy .
Jay C
Roar Guru
300 games is a big achievement for anyone. Good on you Cameron.