Penrith out to spoil Smith milestone party

Penrith rookie Reagan Campbell-Gillard admits revenge will be on his mind when the Panthers arrive to spoil Cameron Smith’s 300th-game party in Melbourne on Friday night.

The Storm skipper is set to become just the 24th player in NRL history to crack the triple century when he leads his side down the tunnel this weekend.

But Campbell-Gillard says his teammates have a completely different motivation for trying to steal the two points and keep their fading finals hopes alive.

“They came to our home ground (in round 13) and put 20 points on us and kept us to nil,” he told AAP.

“We want to go down there, turn up with the attitude that we did (in a win) against Souths.

“If we turn up with that attitude, we can be a massive threat to them down there.”

In a mixed season that has the Panthers precariously placed outside the top eight, Campbell-Gillard has been arguably their most consistent performer.

The 21-year-old was handed his debut in the opening game of the season and has played every game since, including five of his past six in the run-on side.

“I’ve been surprised getting the starting spot, (but) I’m happy wherever Ivan wants me,” he said.

“If it’s off the bench or starting, I’m just happy to be in the team.”

His stunning ascension to the NRL also included a NSW City jumper earlier this year, and he could cap off a remarkable rookie season with a Dally M Rookie of the Year nomination.

But the police student shrugged off talk of further honours, insisting he was focused on this week’s clash with Melbourne and helping the Panthers climb the ladder.

“I’m not even worried about that to be honest,” he said.

“Commentators and the media can say things like that, but it’s not even something I’m looking forward to.

“My main focus is definitely on the team, looking forward to Melbourne and trying to get the two points.”

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