Antonio Kaufusi discusses just how much talent goes into creating a successful NRL career after Benji Marshall's 300 game accomplishment.
What a week it has been for the NRL.
Benji Marshall and Gavin Copper become the newest members of the 300 game club.
To reach that many games is a rare milestone and obviously in the case of Smith, it's even rarer.
In the history of the game, Marshall is only the 38th player to reach 300 games.
It puts into perspective just how much longevity, talent, skill and luck with injury you need to have a successful career of this nature.
Smith's 400th game is a first and a feat that might not ever be repeated.
Sharpe referee appointment
So after 111 – year hoodoo Belinda Sharpe becomes the first female referee to officiate a game of Rugby League.
You heard it, how good is that!
She's been involved in senior football for six years now and finally gets her chance.
You might have seen her running down the side lines as a touch judge in many NRL games and is ready to take centre stage.
Look out for a spike of female referees coming through.
Everyone will be glued to the TV to watch her first game at Suncorp Stadium for the Broncos V Bulldogs clash.
NRL players back on track
Now the Origin series is finished, clubs are again focused on their final run home.
A host of players are rested from Origin, more notably the Storm, and have rested all their Origin players except Dale Finucane.
Now is a great time to rest them in terms of where they sit, six clear on the ladder.
The mighty Roosters will be looking for revenge against the Knights – making it my match of the round.
Both clubs are coming off loses and are keen to get back in the winners circle and finish as high up as they can.
The big talk is the return of Ponga, but the Roosters have all their Origin stars back on deck.
The Roosters will be too strong with the man of the origin series Tedesco running riot.
My upset of the round is the Dogs to go three in a row against Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
It will come down to the battle of the Big Boppers, Hass and Lodge vs Napa and Ogden.
I just love the way the Dogs are playing at the moment.
Not flashy by any means but they just looked like they wanted it more against Newcastle.
Kaufusi's Call Round 18:
Broncos v Bulldogs
Warriors v Sharks
Panthers v Dragons
Roosters v Knights
Raiders v Tigers
Cowboys v Rabbitohs
Titans v Storm
Sea Eagles v Eels
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