The kids are killing it in the NRL this year. It would be easier to stop Payne Haas on a surge towards the try-line than stop him from winning Rookie of the Year. He was joined in Origin by another babyface, David Fifita.
Bronson Xerri is still 18 but already a jet. You can’t have missed the spectacular efforts by flying teenage backs Jason Saab and Dylan Brown, and the Storm’s Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has only needed one outing to become hot property.
But the glow of these shiny new stars should not distract us from appreciating a vintage crop of veterans. The 10 oldest players in the league will not be around forever (with the obvious exception of Cameron Smith, likely to still be playing when Halley’s Comet next puts in an appearance) and we should enjoy this bunch of quirky individuals while we can.
Cameron Smith
The Festival of Smith that surrounded the Storm talisman’s 400th match was rained on by Max Krilich’s salty assessment the following week. This seems appropriate for a player as divisive as he is brilliant. Some Smith haters reportedly rethought their antipathy after watching the excellent doco Cam Smith: His Story. Others continue to think he could have played second receiver to Attila the Hun. No-one doubts he will be pivotal in the Storm’s quest for playoff success. Let’s hope someone with a sense of humour lines up Kriilch to present the premiership trophy.
“This year the Cronulla captain became the player with the most losses in history”
Priceless, where is Ronnie when you need him ?