On the eve of his 300th game, Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith says that he is enjoying his football more than ever.
Smith fronted the media earlier today, flanked by long-time mentor and Storm coach Craig Bellamy as well as the club’s CEO Dave Donaghy, ahead of his milestone match on Friday night against the Penrith Panthers at AAMI Park.
“I’m enjoying my football as much as I ever have,” said Smith.
“I feel as good as I ever have too.
“I’ve had the time of my life at this place. I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to come down and play in Melbourne.
See Friday night football at AAMI Park when Storm host Penrith on July 17. Book tickets.
“I’ve got a great care for the club; I’ve got a great care for my teammates, my coaches and the effort that they put into the team.
“For me, I’ve just never wanted to let anyone down.”
The six-time Melbourne Storm Player of the Year and multiple Dally M award winner was understandable proud of his status as a one club player and spoke proudly about his accomplishments in Melbourne.
“I think that anyone who gets the opportunity to play this many matches will tell you it’s never about the numbers,” he continued.
“I guess that’s probably the proudest part about all of my achievements throughout the game, is that I’ve done it all at the one club."
When probed about his motivation to continue playing, having won a plethora of championships for club, state and country, Smith answered playful fashion.
“A premiership this year would be nice,” joked Smith.
“I don’t think you can ever get sick and tired of winning premierships, I think that’s why we play the game."
Storm coach Craig Bellamy highlighted Smith’s importance to the team, as he praised Smith for his consistency, while adding his thoughts on the legacy of the record breaking captain.
“He’s just such a reliable player,” added Bellamy.
“You know what you’re going to get from him each week and the calibre of player that he is.
“He’s not just the best dummy half, most guys would say that, guys that are older than me would say that they haven’t seen a better dummy half than Cameron Smith.
“But I don’t think there’d be too many players better than Cameron Smith.”
