It is only fitting that Cameron Smith should achieve arguably his greatest accomplishment right when the games matter most.
Next weekend the Storm skipper will become the NRL games record holder when he runs out for his 356th appearance.
Smith with surpass his longtime mentor and childhood idol Darren Lockyer when he takes to the field for a Qualifying Final against the Eels at AAMI Park.
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It will be a special occasion for everyone involved with Melbourne Storm but the man at the centre of it all will approach it with his trademark humility.
“There is going to be a little bit of talk about the game next week but I’ve just got to approach it like it is any other game,” Smith said.
“It certainly is a proud moment for myself and my family, I’m sure it is for the Club and my teammates.
“I’ve just got to get to the 80 minutes first, get through it and hopefully celebrate afterwards.”
Ever the perfectionist, Smith is still tireless in his pursuit of excellence after 355 games in the purple jersey.
It is that opportunity, rather than the milestone, that he will really look to relish over the next seven days.
“My concern is week-to-week and trying to make myself better for the team every week,” Smith said.
“It is not about reaching a certain amount of games and then putting my feet up, thinking I’ve done enough. I always want to be better and try to be better.
“I am happy with the way I’m playing at the moment and hopefully there are a few more weeks to try and improve even more.”
