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Dyldam Parramatta Eels second-rower Ben Smith says bringing up his 150th NRL game is all the more meaningful knowing that he plans to retire at the end of the season.

Smith started his career at the Eels, and with the confirmation that he will retire this year, has guaranteed that he will hang up the boots as a one club man.

“It’s been a long road,” Smith said after his 150th game.

“It’s taken a few years to get there, and the last few years i haven’t played much footy at all so to reach that milestone I’m grateful.”

“And probably even more, I’m grateful that I played all those games at Parramatta.”

“I pride myself on starting at Parramatta and finishing in the Blue and Gold, too. I’m very grateful to the club and I feel very fortunate.”

“Being my last few games I’m just enjoying it; I’m enjoying sitting in the sheds and watching the boys. I have a different perspective of it.”

“And I’m just making the most of it while I can because I know it’s not going to be around much longer.”

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Parramatta Eels 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.

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