Cameron Smith ready to experience a rare first on Magic Weekend

There are few firsts left for Cameron Smith to experience in his decorated career. But the game’s most-capped player is looking forward to the inaugural Magic Round in Brisbane this Saturday.

• KENT: Who is the best player in the NRL?

• BOLTER: Raider rockets into Blues contention

There are few firsts left for Cameron Smith to experience in his decorated career.

But the game’s most-capped player is looking forward to the inaugural Magic Round in Brisbane this Saturday.

Smith’s Storm will play the Eels on day three of the four day festival of football at Suncorp Stadium.

Cameron Smith has expressed his excitement at the NRL’s Magic Round. (AAP Image/Glenn Hunt)

MORE NRL NEWS

ORIGIN SHOWDOWN: BATTLE BEGINS TO REPLACE ROBERTS

EARLY MAIL: MORE INJURY DRAMAS FOR SEA EAGLES

“It’s a fantastic concept,” Smith told The Daily Telegraph. “The NRL and the playing group have been talking about this type of weekend for quite some time. It’s great to see it has come to fruition. It’s similar to the nines tournament that started up several years ago in that it is a celebration of the game, celebration of the fans and players coming together all in the one venue.”

Smith continues to be at the top of his game as he closes in on an unprecedented 400th appearance. Despite being 35, Smith shows no sign of age catching up to him.

“I haven’t changed a lot as far as my preparation around training,” Smith said.

Smith has many special memories at Suncorp Stadium throughout his career. (AAP Image/Josh Woning)

“I still try and train as hard as I can physically and mentally for the battle. Craig (Bellamy) and the rest of the coaching staff they try and keep me fresh as much as they can. It’s hard being in my position as one of the spine members it’s hard to take me out of entire session or give me days off.

“He tries to look for a couple of drills here and there and they give me a rest during contact defensive work. Five minutes here and there.

“It’s not so much days off or massive blocks of training away from the group. It’s more about given me a spell here and there.

“I haven’t had to change motivation. My motivation is to go out and play well and win. My entire career has been able playing well and winning.”

Smith has continued to evolve his game. He is running more as he tries to take the pressure off a Storm spine which has seen the departures of Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater in consecutive seasons.

“It’s been a necessity more than anything I’ve had to go out and run more,” Smith said. “I’m feeling fresh and motivated and I’m realising that me running is a positive for the team.”