Cameron Smith will create history on Friday night, becoming the first Melbourne Storm player to reach 300 NRL games.
The Storm, Queensland and Australian captain will enter an illustrious 23-man group when Melbourne host the Panthers at AAMI Park, joining the likes of rugby league royalty Darren Lockyer, Terry Lamb, Steve Menzies, and Petero Civoniceva as well as more recent additions Corey Parker and Anthony Watmough.
See Friday night football at AAMI Park when Storm host Penrith on July 17. Book tickets.
Respected by opponents, looked up to by teammates and admired by fans, Smith's impact on Melbourne Storm and the game of rugby league especially in Victoria has been immense.
The 32-year old is the Club's games record holder and has achieved just about all there is to achieve in rugby league. With a long list of achievements, Smith’s rugby league resume is as impressive as it gets.
11 finals series, five grand final appearances, premiership success and a whole host of individual honours at club and representative level is just the tip of the iceberg.
A permanent fixture in the saturated Melbourne sporting landscape since he made his first-grade debut in 2002, Smith has developed into one of Victoria's most loved and admired sporting figures, despite hailing from Queensland.
Characterised by a calming influence on the field where he never seems rushed and a relaxed nature away from the paddock, the number nine began his journey 12 years ago plying his trade in Queensland’s state league with Storm affiliate Brisbane Norths.
Waiting for an opportunity, when it came his way Smith grabbed it with both hands. Originally deployed at halfback, he moved into a regular role in the number nine jersey in 2003 and from there didn’t look back, also assuming a leadership role in 2006 then becoming sole captain in 2008.
Durability has been one of Smith's strongest assets throughout his career, maintaining a high standard and level of professionalism while navigating through the heavy workload which comes from Club and representative football. The hooker has featured in a remarkable 148 games matches since 2011, averaging 22.6 games per season over the last decade.
Cameron Smith - by the numbers
299 - NRL games
205 - Number of wins, 4th on all time NRL list
119 - Number of wins as captain, 2nd on all time NRL list
1,735 - Total career points scored, 9th all time
791 - Goals
38 - Tries
1 - Field goal
Melbourne Storm Player of the Year
2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013
Grand Final victories
2007, 2009, 2012
Storm co-captain - 2006, 2007
Storm captain - 2008
Dally M Awards
- Dally M Player of the Year 2006
- Dally M Hooker of the Year 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013
- Dally M Captain of the Year 2011, 2013
- Dally M Representative Player of the Year 2007, 2011, 2013
Representative Honours
- Australia – 43 Tests (2006-15) – including 20 as captain
- Tri-Nations – 2006
- Four Nations – 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014
- World Cup – 2008, 2013
- Queensland – 36 State of Origins (2003-15) – (=1st all-time)
- World Club Challenge (Melbourne Storm) – 2010, 2013
- NRL All Stars – 2010, 2011, 2013
- Golden Boot award – 2007
- RLIF International Player of the Year – 2012
- RLIF International Hooker of the Year – 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013
