It seems inevitable that at some point in the future Cameron Smith will receive Australian Rugby League’s highest individual honour by officially being deemed an Immortal.

During his playing days Smith was so influential and skilful that he is arguably more likely to become an Immortal than any other candidate.

Smith started as a half that had to adapt and shifted into the role of hooker to give himself the best chance of breaking into first grade at the Melbourne Storm.

Following his debut in 2002 Smith became a consistent NRL player the season after and would even make his Queensland State of Origin debut in the same year.

Three years later the Brisbane native made his debut for Australia.

He went on to captain all three sides for a prolonged period and secured many accolades.

At the Storm Smith was the glue that held together the most dominant club in the NRL era as Melbourne played in nine Grand Finals while he was there where they would win five, and secure three of the club’s four premierships.

They would also defeat the Leeds Rhinos three times and take home two World Club Challenge trophies.

 
Not only did Smith help the Storm achieve many things as a club but he also picked up many individual honours along the way.

The 39-year-old was named the Dally M Hooker of the Year on nine occasions and the Dally M Player of the Year twice in 2006 and 2017.

He is also a five-time Dally M Captain of the Year and was the RLIF’s Player of the Year in 2012.

At the representative level Smith excelled even further, winning 11 State of Origin series with Queensland and two Rugby League World Cups with Australia.

On four occasions he was named Queensland’s best player receiving the Ron McAuliffe Medal, is a four-time Dally M Representative Player of the Year, a four-time Wally Lewis Medal recipient and was given the Golden Boot twice.

The former hooker just about did everything a player possibly can in our game and upon viewing his long list of trophies and awards it is clear to see why Cameron Smith becoming an Immortal is a case of when not if.