Gold Coast Titans officials have lauded rugby league’s milestone men as the game prepares to celebrate three long-serving greats with Gold Coast connections this weekend.
Former Test skipper Cameron Smith will become the first man to play 400 NRL games when he leads the Melbourne Storm against Cronulla at AAMI Park on Saturday, while Cowboys veteran Gavin Cooper and Wests Tigers star Benji Marshall play their 300th NRL games on Sunday.
Smith is a Logan Brothers junior, Marshall is a product of Keebra Park High School on the Gold Coast, while Cooper was an inaugural Titan – playing in the club’s first game in the NRL against the Dragons in 2007 as part of a two-year stint on the Gold Coast.
Titans Executive Chairman Dennis Watt said the Gold Coast joined in the congratulations and celebrations for all three players for their achievements and contributions for the game.
“Rugby league being as tough as it is, to play one match in the NRL is an incredible achievement. So for these men to be playing in their 300th and 400th games is something quite extraordinary, and we congratulate all of them for it,” Watt said.
“It is a terrific occasion for rugby league that we get to celebrate major milestones like these, and the achievements of these three players are something that rugby league fans from all clubs can and should acknowledge and celebrate.
“All three of them have been tremendous servants of the game, and they are a terrific credit to their families, their clubs and rugby league for the way they conduct themselves on and off the field.
“This season, the Titans celebrated our 300th game in the NRL since we joined the competition in 2007, so that gives you an idea of the incredible achievement and the longevity of Cameron, Gavin and Benji in reaching these milestones in one of the toughest sporting competitions in the world.”
