Smith following Lockyer’s footsteps

Anything Darren does, Cam can too.

Cameron Smith will join Darren Lockyer in the elite 300-game club when he leads the Melbourne Storm out against Penrith in their NRL clash on Friday night.

The 32-year-old has followed the Broncos great into the Queensland and Test captaincy roles and has also equalled Lockyer’s 36 Origin games.

Smith said he rated Lockyer as the most complete footballer he’d come up against in his career that started in Melbourne back in 2002.

“He had every aspect that you needed to be a good footballer going for him – speed, vision, awareness and he was quite strong for a smaller bloke,” Smith said.

While Smith shares many of those attributes, he said the most important one Lockyer had was composure.

“That’s something that I drew off as a young guy.

“I looked up to him and I was lucky to get the opportunity to play alongside him many times with Queensland and Australia.

“Composure is something I learnt a lot from him on the football field and how to be a good leader.”

Smith has no plans to scale back his representative commitments as long as he remains fit and healthy and it doesn’t impact on the Storm.

“I think when representative duties start affecting your club performances then that’s the time to look at that,” Smith said.

“But, at the moment, I don’t feel it’s affecting my role at the Melbourne Storm, it’s easy to say that coming off a State-of-Origin victory.

“Physically I feel good, mentally I feel good. I’m enjoying my football as much as ever.

“Darren Lockyer did it right up until he finished up at 35 or 36, so I’m only 32 – time will come where I will have to make a decision either way.”

With three years left on his contract, Smith has Lockyer’s 355 game total in sight, while he will surpass his Origin caps next season.

He says he will know when his time is up.

“I don’t want to be a guy who overstays his welcome in any arena, whether it’s international, State of Origin or club footy.

“I want to be able to go out while I’m still contributing.”

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