Newly inducted rugby league Hall of Famer Cameron Smith has become emotional talking about the recent passing of his mother, on the eve of him receiving his jacket. Smith joined Melbourne Storm teammates Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater in the prestigious club, but turned back the clock to thank his first supporter, his mother. It was a big honour for the 430-gamer, who collected three premierships during his decorated career with the Storm. "I think she'd be pretty chuffed at this," Smith said, holding back tears on Wednesday night. "Every person that comes up on stage tonight to receive their jacket tonight, they don't get there alone. They get there through the help of many people. "The teammates they play with, the coaches, administration ... but most importantly, their family. "Mum was a big part of my life, a big part of my football career. She loved the game of rugby league." Smith detailed just how much work his mother put in to kick start his career, becoming a life member of his junior club. "She was heavily involved in my junior football in particular. She's a life member of my junior football club, Logan Brothers. She did a tremendous amount of work there for 20-odd years," he said. Smith becomes the 120th member of the Hall of Fame. Meantime, his former Storm teammate, Billy Slater, who was also inducted on the night, highlighted how important his family was in helping his career flourish. Slater also played in two of those Storm premierships, while also the Clive Churchill Medal twice and the Dally M Medal. "Everyone does have their journey. I grew up in a rugby league area and a rugby league family. I don't remember choosing this game ... this game chose me," Slater said.
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