Logan legend Cameron Smith has been inducted to the NRL Hall of Fame.
While he missed out on securing his hotly anticipated spot as the game’s 14 Immortal, Mr Smith thanked his late mother in a touching speech he delivered at a gala dinner on Wednesday night.
The Melbourne Storm great has played more games than any player ever (430), won three premierships, and played in 42 State of Origin matches and 56 tests for Australia.
After receiving his Hall of Fame jacket – the 120th player to do so – Mr Smith chose to thank his mum, Sonia Smith, for her support.
Ms Smith passed away late last month at the age of 66.
She was a lifetime member the Logan Brothers Rugby League Club for more than a decade, where her two sons played as children and her husband coached.
“Every person that comes up on stage tonight to receive their jacket… they don’t get there alone,” Mr Smith said.
“They get there through the help of many people.
“The teammates they play with, the coaches, administration, but most importantly, their family.”
He said his mum was a “big part” of his life and career.
“She loved the game of rugby league,” he said.
“She was heavily involved in my junior football in particular.
“She’s a life member of my junior football club, Logan Brothers.
“She did a tremendous amount of work there for 20-odd years.
“I think she’d be pretty chuffed at this.”
