Throughout his 243-game tenure in the NRL, Cameron McInnes has built a reputation for embracing discomfort on the rugby league field.
As his Cronulla teammate Addin Fonua-Blake noted, McInnes has repeatedly "put his face, and not just his body, on the line every week" during his career.
The veteran lock has endured "14 or 15 surgeries" targeting almost every part of his body, excluding his shoulders.
Rather than resenting his injuries, McInnes finds satisfaction in the recovery process they necessitate.
Reflecting on his mentality, he commented, "Some players have to feel like a Ferrari, whereas that's not me," highlighting his resilient approach.
In the past year, he has approached each match with the mindset that it could be his final game.
This perspective emerged after suffering an ACL rupture last season, a revelation that occurred while he managed pain in everyday activities.
Expectantly, McInnes is aware that his next match against North Queensland will mark his swan song in the NRL.
Afterward, he will be heading to York in the English Super League, with a month's goal of securing a first premiership.
He remarked, "It's really hard, because most footy players are the same," emphasizing the struggle to reflect on his career amid pressing team commitments.
McInnes's style of play evokes a sense of nostalgia for an earlier era of rugby league, where players were valued for their grit over glamour.
However, he credits the game's evolution for opportunities that allowed him to shift from hooker to a dynamic ball-playing lock.
McInnes earned a NSW State of Origin jersey in 2024, after narrowly missing selection at St George Illawarra in 2018.
Despite changes in the sport's narrative, he believes there will always be a place for hardworking players like him.
He stated, "The way that the game's covered now...it's all about line breaks, tries, those flashy moments," and recognizes that his style may be less celebrated.
Yet, he maintains that "games go for 80 minutes, not 30 seconds," highlighting the importance of enduring contributions in matches.