The NRL has honoured Cameron Smith following his induction into the prestigious Sport Australia Hall of Fame, a recognition that cements his place among the country’s most influential sporting figures.
Smith’s career is one of the most decorated in rugby league history, with 19 seasons with the Melbourne Storm from 2002 to 2020, he played a record 430 NRL games.
His representative achievements are just as remarkable: 42 State of Origin appearances for Queensland between 2003 and 2017, and 56 Tests for Australia, 33 of them as captain from 2006 to 2017.
The announcement comes 40 years after the Sport Australia Hall of Fame was first launched at the MCG, with Sir Donald Bradman as its inaugural inductee.
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Smith joins a celebrated list of athletes and was inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame just last year. He is one of seven new members to be formally inducted at a ceremony in November, where the prestigious “Don” Award, recognising Australia’s most outstanding athlete will also be presented.
Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman Peter V’landys paid tribute to Smith’s legacy, both on and off the field.
“On behalf of the Australian Rugby League Commission, I congratulate Cameron for this remarkable and well-deserved achievement,” V’landys said.
“Cameron is renowned as one of the game’s great leaders, both on and off the field.
“It’s pleasing that Cameron has been recognised for his services to sport in Australia more broadly. His role in the growth of Rugby League in Victoria is arguably unmatched, while his contribution to sport in Australia is immense.”