Record-breaking Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith is not planning on slowing down as he comes to grips with becoming the first person in the history of the NRL to play 400 games this weekend.
Smith will step out for his 400th appearance on Saturday night when the Storm host the Sharks at AAMI Park in Melbourne and the veteran hooker was presented to the media on Monday ahead of the record-breaking feat.
What makes the milestone even more special for Smith is the fact that all 399 games have come at the one club and the 36-year-old said he has no plans on retiring when his contract expires at the end of the 2020 season.
"I don't have any thoughts of finishing up at this stage," Smith said on Monday.
"The team is performing well and the club is in a very good position on top of the ladder by six points.
"Everyone knows when you are winning and there is a good feeling everyone is happy.
"If we weren't winning I might have a different outlook on my future."
Cameron Smith speaks ahead of 400th
A lot has changed since Smith made his debut at the Storm in 2002, with the Queenslander freely admitting he 'was a bit old school' when it came to preparing for matches.
"I grew up watching Fatty Vautin and he was getting ready for State of Origin with a couple of leg swings and Alfie Langer [was] joking with his teammates," Smith recalled.
"They are the guys I grew up watching and I thought it's not a bad way to warm up or get yourself prepared for a big match.
"We have had a few yoga sessions this year... but I found a few leg swings and a couple of arm rolls before a game works best for me."
And it will be no different on Saturday night when Smith gets ready to take on the Sharks in a match that will see the Storm captain receive a special custom-designed crystal football to mark his superb achievement.
A host of former teammates - including Queenslanders Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater - will also be in attendance to form a special guard of honour for Smith as part of the pre-match entertainment.
"It's great that those guys can be a part of it," Smith said.
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"I have got a truckload of people coming down from Queensland as well.
"Some family and friends from my school days and junior football days that have helped me get to this point.
"It is going to be a real special day... but once we have a bit of fanfare at the start it is all about the team playing well."
