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NRL milestones on the horizon in 2020

Cameron Smith made history last season as the first player to reach 400 NRL games and the Storm captain is on the verge of another unprecedented achievement in 2020.

The veteran hooker leads a slew of players, coaches and clubs that are set for rare milestones in the upcoming Telstra Premiership.

Thanks to information supplied by official NRL statistician David Middleton, NRL.com has compiled the milestones to look out for next season.

Smith in line to break new ground ... again

Having confirmed he'll continue into a record-equalling 19th season, Melbourne legend Cameron Smith needs just seven wins to become the first player to win 300 games in premiership history.

It would be a remarkable achievement given only 39 men, including Smith, have played 300 matches.

The 36-year-old boasts a 71.29% win rate after 411 NRL appearances. 

Canberra point-scoring machine Jarrod Croker.
Canberra point-scoring machine Jarrod Croker. ©Scott Davis/NRL Photos

Points-machine Croker beating the clock

Raiders co-captain Jarrod Croker needs four points to become the first player to rack up 2000 before turning 30.

Croker will be 29 years and 184 days old when Canberra take on the Titans at home in round one, and if 2019's form holds true, he should have ample opportunity to kick two goals or score a try.

Ex-Eels halfback Jason Taylor holds the mantle as the youngest player to score 2000 points, having reached the mark at 30 and 140 days.

Croker is set to become the seventh player to post 2000 points. Cameron Smith is on top with 2602 points and counting, but the Raiders centre could pass him.

NRL Nines the next step in growing national game

Underrated Aubo to rule the roost

Mitchell Aubusson needs 14 appearances to pass Anthony Minichiello (302) and become the most-capped Roosters player.

The 32-year-old one-club man debuted in 2007 and has established himself as the ultimate Mr Fix It, winning three premierships along the way.

If he features in the opening 14 matches next season, Aubusson will usurp Minichiello in the grand final rematch against Canberra at GIO Stadium in round 15. (The Roosters have the bye in round 12).

Jenko to bring up the ton at two clubs

Eels centre Michael Jennings requires 15 matches in the blue and gold to become the 28th player to record 100 appearances at two premiership clubs, having played 122 games for Penrith (2007-12).

The 31-year-old, who accumulated 71 games for the Roosters, is also only a dozen matches away from cracking a triple century.

Bellamy and Sandor shave for a cure

Coaches prove they're survivors

Melbourne's Craig Bellamy will celebrate 450 games in round one against Manly at Lottoland - becoming the fourth coach to the mark after Wayne Bennett (841), Tim Sheens (669) and Brian Smith (601).

And he'll be just the second mentor to bring up the figure at a single club. Only Bennett, who coached Brisbane for 631 games across two stints, has spent longer with one team.

Fresh off guiding Canberra to the decider, Ricky Stuart will record his 400th game in round five against Penrith at Panthers Stadium.

Stuart also needs five wins to secure 200 NRL victories as a coach.

Manly mentor Des Hasler will be inducted into the 400 club when his Sea Eagles face the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium in round 13.

To boot, Hasler will oversee his 250th match for Manly in round 19 against North Queensland in Townsville.

Three-time premiership-winner Trent Robinson is already the longest-serving Roosters coach and he will become the first to break the 200-game barrier in round 16 against the Warriors.

Wests Tigers boss Michael Maguire, who needs four wins for 150 NRL victories, is poised to raise the bat for 200 games against the Bulldogs at Bankwest Stadium in round 24.

Meanwhile, Dragons coach Paul McGregor is on track to register his 150th versus Canterbury at ANZ Stadium in round 13.

There is a milestone looming for Wests Tigers.
There is a milestone looming for Wests Tigers. ©Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos

Club milestones aplenty

Wests Tigers will make their 500th premiership appearance in round seven against the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium.

Brisbane need six wins to claim their 500th victory since being admitted into the premiership in 1988.

St George Illawarra require 35 tries to reach 2000 total four-pointers as a joint venture, while Penrith need 53 tries to bring up 4000.

Reigning champions the Roosters are 310 points away from being the first club in premiership history to notch 40,000 points.

Melbourne will tally their 600th match against the Rabbitohs at Bankwest Stadium in round 20.

Newcastle will run out for their 800th premiership appearance against Manly at McDonald Jones Stadium in round 22.

Ironmen approach 300

Four players can reach 300 games in 2020 - Roosters utility Mitchell Aubusson (278 games), Cronulla's Josh Morris (286), Parramatta's Michael Jennings (278) and Newcastle's Mitchell Pearce (276).

Acknowledgement of Country

Canberra Raiders respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.