Rugby League: Veteran Cameron Smith storms to NRL scoring record

Herald on Sunday

13 Apr, 2019 05:00 PM2 mins to read

Record-setter Cam Smith is chaired off. Photo / Getty Images

Storm legend Cameron Smith has become the greatest points scorer in Australian league.

Smith's penalty goal in the 49th minute against North Queensland in Townsville on Friday night surpassed Canterbury wing Hazem El Masri's record of 2418 points. The Melbourne skipper finished the match on 2422 points, comprising 43 tries, 1123 goals and four field goals.

Going into the Cowboys match, the Storm skipper needed three points to eclipse El Masri's mark and did so in typical fashion, reports AAP.

Having already converted his side's first try, the record was finally his when the Storm were awarded a penalty early in the second half from 15 metres out.

Smith made no mistake, calmly slotting his second goal of the night to claim his piece of history. He sealed an 18-12 win over the Cowboys with a further penalty in the 76th minute.

"It's a bit funny. Who would have thought a slow, skinny dummy-half would do it? It feels a bit surreal, to be honest," Smith said.

"Would have been nice to do it at home ... but I'm very humbled to have achieved this."

The record had been El Masri's since 2009 but Smith has added to an already impressive CV which includes the record for most games played (389) and most wins (276).

El Masri said Smith deserved to hold the record.

"Records are meant to be broken. Cameron has been and is a wonderful player and, in my opinion, is a future Immortal.

"I feel privileged to have held this record but am happy to pass it on to a true champion," El Masri said.

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg congratulated Smith on becoming the game's most prolific scorer.

"Cameron is one of the game's true statesmen and his record — and records — enhance that reputation," said Greenberg, who was at 1300Smiles Stadium in Townsville to congratulate Smith.

The 35-year-old Smith is just the 17th player in history to earn the honour. He is the third forward to hold the record, joining South Sydney and Eastern Suburbs hooker Arthur Oxford and Rabbitohs second rower Bernie Purcell.