Cameron Smith

The Storm's "Big Three" all rank in the top 10 for most victories, and Smith acknowledged the significance his long-time companions Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk have had in helping to accomplish the resounding feat of winning 238 first-grade games.

Now Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston can etch their names into the history books as they close in on the magical mark of 2,000 points in the NRL.

Only four players – Hazem El Masri (2,418 points), Andrew Johns (2,176), Jason Taylor (2,107) and Daryl Halligan (2,034) – have achieved the feat, and it would be fitting if these two modern-day superstars joined the illustrious list.

Though Slater himself revealed less than a month ago he was no certainty to return, Smith is very confident his fullback will be back.

"The good news is Billy Slater will play this year," Smith told The Courier-Mail.

"I don’t have an exact date, but it will be earlier rather than later — the good thing is that the fans will see Billy Slater back on the field again.

"The coaches as far as I know haven’t put any pressure on him to be fit for round one, we’d love him to be there but if he feels he’s not right to go, it’s his decision."

Johnson proved to the be the difference in the Kiwis' 17-16 win over England last week, scoring a try and kicking the winning field goal in a fine all-round display.

The mercurial Warriors playmaker was poor in the recent loss to the Kangaroos in Perth, criticised heavily for his fifth tackle options as David Kidwell's side lost 20-6.

However, he rediscovered his mojo against the hosts at Huddersfield and Smith said making his life difficult on the pitch will be a vital part of his team's gameplan.

"It will be everybody's job to stop him," Smith said.

In the first half alone as the Sharks set up camp inside the Melbourne half the minor premiers were forced to make 88 more tackles than their opposition and at the end of the 80 minutes they had made a total of 435 tackles to Cronulla's 308.

The Storm have scored 101 tries so far this season, five less than the Sharks who have scored 106 tries. However the Storm have conceded just 55 tries this season compared to the Sharks allowing 75 tries.

The two No.9s are set to have a big impact on the decider. Who will come out on top?

Tate represented Queensland and Australian with Storm captain Cameron Smith, and he believes Smith's ability to deliver when his side needs it most will ultimately result in premiership glory. 

Tate also has experience with Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, playing for the Brisbane Broncos when Bellamy was still an assistant coach at the club in 2001 and 2002.

The State of Origin skippers will renew hostilities for the sixth time this year after the Storm booked their spot in Sunday's decider with a tense preliminary final win over Canberra.

Smith has claimed victory in three of the five meetings between the pair this year, two of them with Queensland in the Maroons' triumph, and the third in a round 26 wipeout in Melbourne.

Melbourne weren't without their problems throughout the season but still managed to finish as the minor premiers, and the Storm's young brigade all played critical parts in shaping their season.

Smith had another outstanding night in the Maroon, collecting his sixth Origin man of the match award and in the process closing within two of Queensland legend Wally Lewis's record of eight. 

The Australian hooker guided the Maroons to their 10th Origin series win in 11 years on Wednesday night, with Smith celebrating his fourth series win in five years as captain of the side. 

It's just another accolade to Smith's name in what is becoming one of rugby league's most decorated careers.