As Newcastle Knights' joint-captain Jeremy Smith celebrates his 200th game, a raft of players and coaches have congratulated the veteran on his celebrated career.
Smith made his first grade debut at the age of 24 for the Melbourne Storm in Round 23 of the 2004 season against the Canberra Raiders.
Since then he has played for the St George Illawarra Dragons, Cronulla Sharks and Newcastle Knights.
During his career, he has represented his country of birth, New Zealand on 22 occasions and has played in four premierships.
What they said:
Tariq Sims
"He's definitely a leader, I constantly find myself at times during the game when I'm doing it a bit tough, I look at Jezza and he looks at me and says, it's going to be alright. Personally I draw off that.
Nathan Brown:
"He's great for a coach to try to build a Club around."
Wayne Bennett
"He was a real pleasure to coach. I remember watching him at Melbourne and I thought, 'who is this guy?' When I arrived at the Dragons they recruited him, and he was a huge part of our success there. When I went to the Knights, I couldn't get him there quick enough. He's just a good bloke and someone who is awesome to have as a friend and can always trust."
Jarrod Mullen
"He epitomises what the Club is all about. He hasn't grown up in Newcastle but he's really, for us, the Newcastle culture. I think the whole community knows what Jeremy Smith is about."
Danny Levi
"We sponge off him and one of the main things we get off him is attitude stuff."
Stephen Kearney
"He's one of those players that players want to play with and you wanted him on your side when things got tough out there."
Dane Gagai
"He's one of those players you want to be wearing the same jersey with. I've been on the receiving end a couple of times now. At the Knights we pride ourselves on being the player others want to play with and Jez definitely embodies that."
