NRL 2019 | Legend’s unite in praise for Cameron Smith’s 400th game

Rugby league legends have joined to celebrate Cameron Smith as the remarkable superstar reaches an unthinkable milestone.

Cameron Smith before his 400th game.

Cameron Smith has been universally praised as the Melbourne Storm superstar played game number 400.

It was long thought Terry Lamb’s record of 350 first grade games which was set in 1994 would forever be the benchmark after he became just the second 300 gamer but the former Bulldogs star has since been eclipsed by three players.

36 players have also joined the 300-game club but it’s Smith who has truly broken new ground as the first player to make 400 NRL games and counting as one of the greatest players of all time.

In 17 seasons at the top level, Smith has missed just six games through injury according to Macquarie Sports Radio.

Former teammate Cooper Cronk has the second most games with 361.

Smith has already done everything in the game and is contracted until the end of the 2020 season.

Individually, Smith has the most points and most goals records, as well as most wins, most State of Origin appearances and wins, and is the second most capped player for Australia.

He has also won two premierships, with a further two taken away due to salary cap issues.

Smith claimed his 286th win in first grade as the Storm thrashed the Sharks 40-16.

He kicked five of six conversions and three penalty goals for 16 points as the Storm overcame an early second half scare to run away with another big win.

Post-match, Smith said tonight’s match was all about thanking everyone who had helped him to the massive milestone.

“I can’t thank my teammates, the crowd tonight and everyone who’s been involved in my entire career to get me to this moment enough,” he said. “It’s a night I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

Smith said Storm coach Craig Bellamy was one of the biggest influences in his career and he said if he’d had multiple coaches at the club, “I might have only played 100 or 200 games”.

Legends of the game have heaped praise on the remarkable star.

Incredible scenes for Cameron Smith’s 400th game.

Billy Slater and Johnathan Thurston, both long time teammates and friends of Smith, spoke before play against the Sharks.

Slater, who played his entire career alongside Smith for the Storm and at representative level for Queensland and Australia took to Instagram to praise his friend.

Earlier in the week, Slater said it was a “ridiculous” achievement but his record makes it all the more phenomenal.

“Just consider the quality of football he has played within that 400,” Slater said on Tuesday.

“It hasn’t just been 400 games. It’s the 50 tackles in the middle. He is the best passer, the best kicker and he has got the best attributes a rugby league player can have.

“Benji Marshall and Gavin Cooper are playing their 300th game this week and 300 games in the NRL, in the most brutal sport in the world is such a great achievement.

“And then you have got this bloke that is playing 400 and is still the best player in the world. He is a remarkable football player.”

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Thurston also took to Instagram and called Smith “the greatest ever”.

Speaking on Fox League before the game, Queensland coach Kevin Walters said Smith’s record is astounding.

“His durability, for him to play 400 games in the middle of the part, making 55 tackles per game, goalkicking as well, it’s just a remarkable feat,” he said. “He’s not overly strong in the gym, he’s not overly fit with his running but he gets through so much work and is so tough.

“400 games, no one in the game has got anywhere near that, he’s just such a superstar. And more importantly, what a great person he is for the game as well, what a great leader for the Melbourne Storm, Queensland and Australia through his years.”

Cameron Smith was honoured before his milestone match

Michael Ennis also praised Smith.

“I haven’t seen a player with the mental capacity who has been able to do what he’s been able to do,” Ennis said.

An 80 minute player for the whole duration of his career. Cameron, there has been no more influential player in the game, whether it’s a long kick into the corner, a subtle little pass to earn a penalty, whether it’s a darting run from dummy half, he’s been all class.”

Rugby league immortal Andrew Johns told the Wide World of Sports that Smith had changed how the game was played.

“He sees the game like a halfback and controls he game like a halfback. No one has ever done that from dummy-half,” Johns said.

“Considering he makes 40-50 tackles a game, he’s just so efficient with his energy, but he sees the game and has a feel for the game like the greatest halfbacks that have played.”

League legend Peter Sterling also said Smith’s leadership abilities were one of his greatest attributes.

“I think Cameron Smith is the ultimate professional,” Sterling said. “He’s articulate, intelligent, and clearly a good leader of men.”