Cameron Smith has become the greatest pointscorer in Australian rugby league.

Smith’s penalty goal in the 49th minute against North Queensland in Townsville on Friday night took the Melbourne captain to 2419 points, surpassing Canterbury winger Hazem El Masri’s record of 2418.

He is the third forward to hold the record, joining South Sydney and Eastern Suburbs hooker Arthur Oxford and Rabbitohs second-rower Bernie Purcell.