7th Tackle: Smith's half-ton just the tonic

Here's a welcome spot of heartening news to generate some warmth in a cold-blooded week for the game.

Guests at the private team dinner for Cameron Smith's 50th Test Match say it was one of the most emotional occasions they've witnessed.

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Storm coach Craig Bellamy even travelled from Melbourne to be there.

Normally an unflappable character, Smith was visibly moved when he received his jersey from previous skipper Darren Lockyer.

Those present say the Kangaroos were never going to be beaten from that moment.