Melbourne prop Bryan Norrie says Cameron Smith’s 250th NRL game will be a huge occasion for the defending premiers when they host Cronulla on Sunday.
Queensland and Australian captain Smith will be backing up from Wednesday’s opening State of Origin clash between the Maroons and NSW.
“He’s our skipper and he would probably go down as an Immortal, I would imagine,” Norrie said.
“He’s probably the best player in the world.
“For him to play 250 (club) games plus all the Origins, he’s a very durable man and he’s a great mate to all the boys.
“It’s a special occasion and everyone will be hoping to have a good game for him.”
Former Shark Norrie says sixth-placed Cronulla will present a stiff test for the second-placed Storm at AAMI Park.
“There’s some good mates who still play at Cronulla and I’ll be looking forward to playing against them,” said Norrie, 29.
“They’re a great side and they’ve got so many strike weapons across the whole team; Luke Lewis and (Andrew) Fifita and (Paul) Gallen – they’re absolutely killing it.
“Then you’ve got Todd Carney who would be disappointed he didn’t play Origin. He’s a massive influence on a game.”
The 104kg Norrie had a quiet period during last week’s bye round, visiting his parents on the family farm near Forbes in central western NSW.
“I managed to get back to the farm and enjoy a bit of quiet time there. I don’t get home much so it was good,” he said.