Newcastle Knights forward Jeremy Smith leads long list of 30-somethings thriving in NRL

THE Big Bash League isn’t the only competition in Australia that allows the older brigade to flourish. We reveal the golden oldies making their mark in the NRL.

THE Big Bash League isn’t the only competition in Australia that allows the older brigade to flourish.

While there may not be any 40-somethings like Brad Hogg, Mike Hussey and Jacques Kallis, the NRL has no shortage of 30-somethings still outsmarting their younger rivals.

Newcastle’s premiership-winning forward Jeremy Smith, at 35 years and 272 days today, can lay claim to being the oldest player in the NRL who will lace up his boots this season.

“But we’ve got a young squad here, so they keep me on my toes and make me feel young again,’’ said Smith, who will enter his 13th — and possibly last — season in the top flight.

“I know the pre-seasons get harder. I suppose the size of the young kids coming through nowadays is also different. They’re massive. It’s a bit of an eye-opener.’’

Should Willie Mason find another NRL club, he’ll become the second- oldest player in the competition, born just a day after Smith.

Smith was quick to point out to The Daily Telegraph that if Ali Lauitiiti starts the season at the New Zealand Warriors he’d be the oldest at 36 years of age.

Jeremy Smith will be the oldest player in the NRL in 2016.

Smith recalled making his debut in 2004 with Melbourne when veteran Robbie Kearns was running around.

“I grew up watching Ruben Wiki and I remember the first chance I got to play against him, I tried to smash him,’’ Smith said.

“It didn’t happen the way I wanted it to. He still reminds me to this day. I came out of the line and tried to put a shot on him. He sorted me out really quickly.’’

Smith is grateful his body has held together well, and he praised the Knights coaching staff for helping him stay physically and mentally fresh.

As for playing on beyond this year, Smith will be guided by his form and is mindful to “finish on my terms’’.

Having been around the game since 2002, Smith knows a thing or two about the speed of the NRL.

He said of the reduction of interchanges from 10 to eight: “I think we’ll see a different style of footy. There won’t be any more bash and barge, but more throwing the ball around and targeting a few more players.’’

Second on the list of golden oldies is Gold Coast hooker Nathan Friend, who turns 35 next month, while Cronulla’s skipper Paul Gallen turns 35 in August.

Chris Heighington, Jamie Lyon, Corey Parker and Jeff Robson are all 33, while Dene Halatau and superstar North Queensland halfback Johnathan Thurston are both 32.

Cameron Smith, who has looked 40 for the past decade, is only 32, and rounds out the top 10 list with his good mate Billy Slater, who was born on the same day.

Billy Slater will be one of the oldest players in the NRL in 2016. Picture: Colleen Petch

Golden Oldies:

35 years 272 days Jeremy Smith (Newcastle)

34 years 317 days Nathan Friend (Gold Coast)

34 years 150 days Paul Gallen (Cronulla)

33 years 362 days Chris Heighington (Cronulla)

33 years 352 days Jamie Lyon (Manly)

33 years 251 days Corey Parker (Brisbane)

33 years 159 days Jeff Robson (New Zealand)

32 years 349 days Dene Halatau (Wests Tigers)

32 years 261 days Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland)

32 years 207 days Billy Slater and Cameron Smith (Melbourne)

* Provided by Fox Sports Stats