Melbourne Storm full-back Ryan Papenhuyzen insists he is not feeling any extra pressure to perform in Cameron Smith's 400th game on Saturday night and that he and his teammates are ready to embrace the record-breaking milestone.
All eyes will be on AAMI Park this weekend when a big crowd is expected to watch Smith become the first player in the history of the NRL to play 400 matches when the Storm host the Sharks.
But instead of being concerned about the enormity of the situation and the pressure that may arise, Papenhuyzen is embracing his skipper's impending milestone and looking forward to stepping up for the occasion.
"I thought there would be (some pressure), but it is more of an excitement factor," Papenhuyzen admitted.
"It's a big milestone so we are just trying to get around him and make sure it’s a big occasion.
"There is extra motivation to come out and put in a good performance for Smithy."
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While Smith will become just the first NRL player to reach the 400-game mark, there are four players who have achieved the feat in a rival code.
The Storm hosted a quartet of AFL stars - Brent Harvey (432 games), Michael Tuck (426), Kevin Bartlett (403) and Dustin Fletcher (400) - earlier this week to help their skipper celebrate his impending milestone.
Papenhuyzen is an avid Kangaroos fan in the AFL and the 21-year-old admitted it was a humbling experience to meet one of his idols in former North Melbourne champion Harvey.
"I was a bit starstruck actually," Papenhuyzen said.
"We sat down at the table and he was sitting across from me and I was sitting next to Smithy.
Cameron Smith speaks ahead of 400th
"He embarrassed me in front of everyone and said I was a big fan, but I got to meet him and got a little photo with him.
"We were pretty lucky to have them in ... they were all inspirational, so we will take that into this game."
The Storm sit 12 points and seven places higher on the ladder than the Sharks, but Papenhuyzen expects John Morris's side to prove hard to beat during the round 17 clash.
The Sharks are one of just two clubs to have beaten the Storm this season after their 20-18 triumph in round eight and Papenhuyzen said his team will not be underestimating them.
"There is no doubt they will be up for this week and we saw that when they beat us earlier in the year," he said.
"We know it is going to be a tough game and we are preparing the same as if it was a finals match."
Be there to witness history as Cameron Smith plays his milestone match - Tickets available
