Penrith hooker Apisai Koroisau is hoping to head home from Sunday's Grand Final with a premiership ring and Cameron Smith's jersey, in what could be the Storm skipper's 430th and last NRL match.
Smith's future is unlikely to be made public until after the final showcase, with many believing the legendary hooker will call time on his career regardless of this week's result.
For Koroisau, his Melbourne counterpart has long been his idol, with the Panthers gun hoping to land some historic memorabilia if Penrith are extend their winning streak to 18.
โIf we win, Iโll take his jersey,โ Koroisau toldย The Sydney Morning Herald.
โIโm a big fan of Cameron. I donโt know about jersey swaps but it would be good to get it.โ
Koroisau added how meaningful the prospect of being Smith's final ever matchup would be.
โI guess that would be pretty special, heโs done so much in the game it would be hard for anyone to catch him and the legacy heโs left behind,โ Koroisau said. โIt would be something to keep in the memory bank.โ
The Melbourne veteran has denied father-time for the last stretch of his career, with Koroisau acknowledging Smith's longevity.
โI donโt know. I thought it would be his last five years ago,โ Koroisau said. โIt wouldnโt surprise me if he goes for another five years.โ
Koroisau has welcomed every challenge he has come up against in his career, namely Smith.
โComing in to play against the greatest No.9 to play the game, itโs obviously a great challenge.
โHeโs obviously been an idol of mine growing up. I love playing footy against the greats.
โDamien Cook has been one of the best hookers over the last couple of years, that was another great challenge.โ
The Penrith star said it has been difficult to mimic Smith's game style.
โHeโs not a running hooker, heโs more like an IQ player. Itโs hard to take things from his game because heโs so natural. I donโt know if he studies the game crazy or whatnot. Itโs hard to emulate what he does because heโs so special.
โI try to do the best that I can and pick what I can from everyone. Itโs pretty special watching Cameron Smith.โ
It will all be on the line on Sunday as Smith looks to lead his side out for a potential dream ending to his career.
