That’s your opinion.
All those players were / are greats of the game. But my opinion is Smith is superior than all of them.. admittedly I didn’t see Big Artie play much, only highlights.
Reasoning?
There’s plenty but the key things, comparing to others etc..
- Longevity. No one played near as long as him. Kenny’s knees were shot in his later years. Sterling and Johns were forced into retirement.
- He played in the forwards, Hooker. He’d handle the ball more than anyone, far more physical than the backs. Artie was a forward but not at hooker. Arguably Smith did the most work on the field than everyone else...
- His teams just “won”. All had great players around them, absolutely. But his teams won more titles than any others by a country mile.
- Game management. He dictated terms. People hate it, I think it’s insidiously brilliant. Only Wally would come close to him here. The rest are lightyears behind.
- Smith was a goal kicker. Kenny, Sterling didn’t kick goals. Wally occasionally did.
Smith played more rep games than all those players. He played more origins (42) than Sterling n Johns combined (39). Kenny played 17... so he could be a combo with Johns or Sterling as well and still not get Smith..
- Johns was even pushed into Hooker in SOO. Smith was never pushed out of position, and dominated the 9 jersey in all levels from when he first made it to when he retired from reps.
- Sterling was superceded by Steve Mortimer in reps on many occasions. He “only” played 13 origins from 81-88.
Sterling n Kenny were outstanding players. But I’d have them at the bottom of your list (with Smith included in it)
Johns could do anything with a football, absolutely mind boggling. The most dangerous halfback I’ve ever seen by miles. But he only played “great” Origin football near the end of his career... his comeback etc. look at his earlier games n he was simply “ok”. He was in the team beaten 3-0 by Fattys nobodies... and also was shifted to Hooker.. not even the prime halfback at times.
Meninga was devastating, the most devastating player I’ve ever seen. He won titles, captained at all levels. The only thing that goes against him in comparing greats for mine is that, out at centre, he wasn’t nearly involved throughout games as the others.
Wally was brilliant in all facets of the game. Game management, Attack, defence (he was a brutal tackler), leadership, winning. He only came to the NSWRL when the Broncos turned up which was in the back end of his career so we didn’t see the best of him at club level.
The players above were all more “spectacular” than Cameron Smith. You could add another 50, 100, maybe 1000 players who were more spectacular than Smith. But Smith in my opinion is far and away the best...
His involvement, leadership, nous, game management, winning record... combining these he is absolutely second to none.
He made teams better, and far better than they otherwise could be. The Storm has had some other superstars through his time there but they would make the semis close to every season under his captaincy, with many unheralded players, journeyman and the like. Bellamy coach n Smith captain - guiding them around the park. I don’t think any of the other players mentioned could come close to getting as much out of the players he’s had at the Storm.
Anyway it’s my opinion. Doesn’t make my thought he’s the best player of all time a fact. But there are a few facts as to why I think he is.
My best in order
1 - Smith
2 - Wally
3 - Johns
4 - Meninga
5 - Lockyer
6 - Stuart
7 - Langer
8 - Daley
9 - Slater
10 - Inglis
Smith is nowhere near my favourite player (thats a tie between Blacklock n Thommo, with Cliff Lyons my favourite “non-dragon”). But he’s easily the best IMO.
