Elias Backs Cameron Smith

Former “big time” footballer, Ben Elias believes Cameron Smith is ready to take on the mantle as Australian captain.

Elias, who made his name as a crafty and often match winning hooker with foundation club, Balmain, rates Smith as one of the game’s “most steadying influences.”

“Cameron Smith is special,” said Elias.

“He is not flashy and there is no mug in him. He is inspirational and ready for the game’s highest honour.

“I rate him a quality footballer and a quality person.”

Elias captained Australia in a Test against France at Toulouse in 1990.

However, one of his greatest moments in a headline grabbing career, was to be the first hooker in Rugby League history to play at Eden Park.

Eden Park, the holier than thou Rugby Union bastion, was the venue for the World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand in 1988.

“Rugby League had never been played at Eden Park, yet we drew a full house of over 46,000,” recalls Elias.

“The Kiwis felt they had a good chance of winning but we smacked them 25-12.

”I remember kicking a field goal to rub a bit more salt into the wounds.”

Elias said he lives for the day when Rugby League will produce a fourth super-power.

“We are dominated by Australia, New Zealand and England but it would be great if France or one of the island teams emerged as a serious contender for the World Cup,” he said.

By Geoff Prenter