LIKE fine wines, the Melbourne duo Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk yesterday proved that age is no barrier to greatness as they put on a masterclass against a young Gold Coast side. 
It was not only heartwarming for Storm fans, but a warning shot to the Kiwis ahead of Friday's Test in Newcastle.
Smith said the pair was "building" towards their best as they prepared to pull on their Kangaroo jerseys - and Cronk was quick to agree.
"I am never doubtful of our relationship and our football ability," Cronk said. "I know Cameron's game pretty well, he knows my game and it is growing . "You've always got areas to improve, no matter if you're a 300-gamer like Cameron or you've played 10 games of first grade." The Kiwis will look at yesterday's performance knowing that, along with Johnathan Thurston, they will have to shut the Aussies down early to stop a repeat of the Titans' embarrassment at Cbus Super Stadium.
In a man-of-the-match performance on the Gold Coast, Smith did what he does best, shaping up strongly in defence with 28 tackles and leading the side in attack, running for 81m off seven runs.
Cronk was nearly unstoppable as he caught out the Titans' sloppy defence on multiple occasions to set up one try and claimed two for himself.Neither player missed a tackle, which is also a good sign for Australia as they prepare for a bruising challenge against the New Zealand pack.