‘If we win, I’ll take Smith’s jersey: Koroisau

Api Koroisau is planning to steal Cameron Smith’s spotlight, and then snare the ultimate grand final souvenir as one of the biggest influences on his career quietly exits stage left.

Sunday’s grand final will pit the Penrith hooker up against Smith for what is feeling like the future Immortal’s 430th and final NRL outing.

Smith of course has been ever-present across the way since his own 2002 debut when Koroisau was still just nine years old.

The 37-year-old is yet to make any announcement on his future and won’t this leading into the decider either, continuing another week of headlines that will focus on Smith rather than the

Storm.

There was however a sense of closure to scenes of Smith being chaired from Suncorp Stadium by teammates after Friday’s preliminary final, an act Craig Bellamy said was his idea for simply “a nice photo” afterwards. If Sunday is to be Smith’s last, Koroisau plans on spoiling the party.

“If we win, I’ll take his jersey,” he quipped.

“I’m a big fan of Cameron. Coming in to play against the greatest No.9 to play the game, it’s obviously a great challenge. “He’s obviously been an idol of mine growing up. I love playing footy against the greats.

“I don’t know about jersey swaps but it would be good to get it.”