Who is the best player of the Modern Era?

There is absolute no doubt that we are enjoying a special era when it comes to rugby league talent.

Talk of possibly four to five immortals coming from the modern era may sound ridiculous seeing as though there have been eight immortals inducted during the history of the game, but it would take a brave individual to argue that Thurston, Inglis, Slater, Smith and Lockyer don’t deserve to be considered.

Earlier today I took a poll on social media and the same five names kept coming up. Except of course for the gag answers of Bryce Gibbs and Josh Papalii, who although are good players in their own right, are unlikely future immortals.

Cases can be made that any of the five could be considered the best player of the modern era. I also would image Jarryd Hayne’s name would have come up in a few years had he not chosen the path he has.

I took a look at the stats, took all opinions in, ignored them, and am willing to announce that, in my opinion, the greatest player of the modern era is Cameron Smith.

Although he may not have the match winning highlights of Billy Slater, the try assist numbers of Thurston, or the brute power of Greg Inglis, I have never seen a more consistent player in my time watching the greatest game of all.

The 31 year old currently captains his club side, state and country, and will continue to do so for as long as he desires.

No player in the game commands more respect than the 2006 Dally M medalist.

Smith has amassed 33 caps for Queensland and 39 for his country. He has only missed one Origin game since 2004 which was through injury, highlighting his consistency.

I’d argue that Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater and co. would not have been as dominant as they have been during their time at the Storm if not for their superstar number nine.

I have never seen a hooker come close to providing as much quality ball as Smith has over his career. I’ve also never seen a number 9 able to produce that big play in pressure situations quite like the Storm captain.

Inevitably whenever discussing the achievements of a Storm player, the salary cap scandal will come up. Although yes, Smith was surrounded by a side that turned out to simply be too good to be true, it doesn’t take away from his accomplishments.

It doesn’t take away the 30+ tackles a game he lays on. It doesn’t take away the mountain of competition points he has had a big hand in winning.

I can fully understand the arguments for Thurston or Inglis being the best player in modern times. They’re both world class superstars but neither have dominated for as long as their state skipper.

For eleven seasons Smith has been the first choice hooker in the Victorian capital. At 31, it’s possible he has another four seasons left in him.

Not only is Smith brilliant on the field, his off-field record is exemplary.

A few adverse headlines over grapple tackling aside, I can’t think of a single moment where Smith was cast in a negative light in the media. Whilst on the topic of wrestling, I challenge you to find one superstar player without a bit of niggle in his game.

Wally Lewis, Andrew Johns anyone?

Looking at Smith, no one would accuse him of having all the physical gifts in the world. He doesn’t have the super athletic, muscle bound body of other stars, but I believe he has the best footballing brain in the game today.

When it comes to defining greatness, many will look for flair. Many will look for explosiveness. I look for consistent brilliant football.

As good as the other players mentioned are, there has simply not been a more consistently brilliant footballer over the past ten or so years than Cameron Smith.

I’d love to hear your opinion on who you believe the best player of the modern era is. Consider the term ‘modern era’ is mean the last 10 or so years.