A decision not to rest Cameron Smith at the Rugby League World Cup is helping the Kangaroos skipper draw closer towards another remarkable feat in his career.

Smith is one of only a handful of players in Tim Sheens’ squad to be selected for all three of Australia’s group games and will earn his 34th international cap in Saturday’s clash with Ireland.

The Melbourne Storm star could play in all six of Australia’s matches if, as expected, the tournament favourites reach the final.

That would take Smith to 37 international appearances and put the hooker well and truly on track to becoming the most capped forward in Kangaroos history.

Petero Civoniceva holds the record with a remarkable 45 caps but 30-year-old Smith would likely overtake the prop in the next two years.

It would add another achievement in a long list for Queensland star Smith, who is already being talked up as a possible immortal.

“He’s one of those players that, after his career, would be pushing – dare I say – that immortal-type player,” Kangaroos assistant coach David Furner said on Friday.

“He’s been a part of and led Queensland to those (State of Origin) victories and also, most importantly, the Australian team after Darren Lockyer.

“He’s a tremendous player, probably number one in the world in his position but it’s also his on and off-field presence and what he gives the young kids, that sort of experience and guidance.”

While Sheens has taken the opportunity to give the likes of Billy Slater, Greg Inglis and Johnathan Thurston a rest during the group stage, he’s opted to start with Smith in all three games.

Smith will likely share Saturday’s game with Robbie Farah but the Kangaroos coaching staff feel the skipper’s calming influence is crucial early in games.

“This is another one of those games that experience an guidance for the team is important,” Furner said.

The decision not to rest Smith is likely to deny vice captain Paul Gallen a chance to skipper his country for the first time.