Cameron Smith's brains are the real key to his record NRL longevity and durability, according to rugby league conditioning guru Alex Corvo.
The Melbourne skipper will match Brisbane great Darren Lockyer for most NRL matches played when he runs out for his 355th game against Canberra at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
Just as impressive, the 34-year-old has only ever missed 11 games through injury and Corvo, who was head of strength and conditioning at the Storm for 11 of Smith's 16 seasons, says the Test hooker's smarts are key to his secret.
"He's probably the smartest footballer that's played the game," said Corvo, who left Melbourne for the Broncos at the end of 2013.
"Because he's so capable in the skill area and in the way he analyses and reads the game it allows him to cope better physically.
"He's very good at conserving energy at the right times.
"He puts himself in the right position to make sure that he has the upper hand in most collisions so he's one of the best defenders and wrestlers in the game."
Although an excellent trainer, in terms of strength and speed Corvo said Smith wouldn't be on radar of the best at the Storm let alone across the NRL.
But Corvo said those "easy measures" didn't paint a true picture of his value.
"If you measure athletes on resilience and standards continually met then he's the ultimate athlete," he said.
"He's an amazingly resilient athlete, right up there with the best athletes in any sport."
Corvo pointed out that Smith not only played 80 minutes of most games but regularly topped the tackle count.
"People neglect the fact that he plays in the middle of the field where he's probably averaging 40-odd tackles a game against guys who are usually 20-plus kilos heavier and he doesn't shirk any of that work."
Corvo also worked with Lockyer with the Australian team and said they shared traits of professionalism and commitment.
"You don't play as much football as those two without meticulous preparation," he said.
If rugby league wasn't Smith's first love, Corvo said he could have been an AFL star and likened him to now retired Hawthorn greats Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell.
"There are players like him in the AFL - a Luke Hodge or Sam Mitchell who aren't super-gifted athletes but have had tremendous careers because of their ability and skills.
"I'd imagine if Cameron was an AFL player he'd be a ball winner because he's so clever in the sport he plays now."
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