One of rugby league’s greatest hookers has heaped praise on the mercurial Cameron Smith ahead of Sunday’s grand final.

Former Australian rake Ben Elias says it’s how Smith performs under pressure that impressed him most.

“He is methodical in every way. He is cool, he is calm even when they are getting beat by eight points,” he told Fox Sports’ NRL 360.

“That quality is just phenomenal in sport.

“If you can maintain your steel, stay composed, it has that wonderful effect on the others around you.”