Cameron Smith

Smith cleared of major pec tear

In fact, the veteran hooker is even a small chance of playing in the Storm's next NRL match against Manly on Sunday.

There were fears Smith's season was over after the he was reduced to just 44 minutes - his lowest in eight years - in their win over the Raiders.

However, scans on Sunday confirmed the Australian captain could be back by the Storm's Round 23 clash against the Sydney Roosters at the latest.

"We were pleased to find out this afternoon Cameron has only suffered a minor tear to his pec," Storm football director Frank Ponissi said on Sunday.

Storm's Smith praises teammates for record

The Storm's "Big Three" all rank in the top 10 for most victories, and Smith acknowledged the significance his long-time companions Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk have had in helping to accomplish the resounding feat of winning 238 first-grade games.

History beckons for Smith, Thurston

Now Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston can etch their names into the history books as they close in on the magical mark of 2,000 points in the NRL.

Only four players – Hazem El Masri (2,418 points), Andrew Johns (2,176), Jason Taylor (2,107) and Daryl Halligan (2,034) – have achieved the feat, and it would be fitting if these two modern-day superstars joined the illustrious list.

Smith backs Slater to return sooner rather than later

Though Slater himself revealed less than a month ago he was no certainty to return, Smith is very confident his fullback will be back.

"The good news is Billy Slater will play this year," Smith told The Courier-Mail.

"I don’t have an exact date, but it will be earlier rather than later — the good thing is that the fans will see Billy Slater back on the field again.

"The coaches as far as I know haven’t put any pressure on him to be fit for round one, we’d love him to be there but if he feels he’s not right to go, it’s his decision."

Smith backs Storm snub, eyes World Club Challenge return

Runners-up to Cronulla Sharks in the NRL Grand Final, the Storm confirmed earlier this month that they had turned down the opportunity to participate in the annual event between teams from Australia and England, in order to prepare sufficiently for the new NRL campaign.

Smith twice featured in World Club Challenges - the contests that bring together the champions from the NRL and Super League - before the event was expanded to include additional matches.

Smith's heroics highlight Storm's spirit

In the first half alone as the Sharks set up camp inside the Melbourne half the minor premiers were forced to make 88 more tackles than their opposition and at the end of the 80 minutes they had made a total of 435 tackles to Cronulla's 308.

Head-to-Head: Smith v Ennis

The Storm have scored 101 tries so far this season, five less than the Sharks who have scored 106 tries. However the Storm have conceded just 55 tries this season compared to the Sharks allowing 75 tries.

The two No.9s are set to have a big impact on the decider. Who will come out on top?

Cam Smith 'the greatest ever leader'

Smith had another outstanding night in the Maroon, collecting his sixth Origin man of the match award and in the process closing within two of Queensland legend Wally Lewis's record of eight. 

The Australian hooker guided the Maroons to their 10th Origin series win in 11 years on Wednesday night, with Smith celebrating his fourth series win in five years as captain of the side. 

It's just another accolade to Smith's name in what is becoming one of rugby league's most decorated careers.