Johnston’s Historic Feat Overshadowed by Stadium Chaos
Sydney witnessed a moment of NRL history on Friday night as South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston etched his name into the record books, becoming the league’s all-time leading try-scorer. However, the momentous occasion was marred by scenes of unprecedented fan disruption, leaving even veteran coach Wayne Bennett flummoxed.
Johnston’s record-breaking 213th career try, a dazzling effort from a Latrell Mitchell pass, came in the opening minute of the second half against the Sydney Roosters. He had already drawn level with league legend Ken Irvine’s long-standing record of 212 tries in the first half, also set up by a Mitchell assist.
The milestone try triggered an immediate outpouring of emotion, with thousands of fans swarming the Allianz Stadium turf in a spontaneous celebration. The pandemonium led to a 15-minute delay in the second half, a disruption that drew the ire of Bennett.
“Pretty disruptive,” Bennett stated post-match, expressing his frustration at the interruption of his team’s pursuit of a win. “We’re out there trying to win a game of football. We’re all out there trying our hearts out and all of a sudden it stops and takes all the momentum.”
The Rabbitohs had managed to claw their way back from a 12-0 deficit to level the scores before halftime. However, the lengthy stoppage proved detrimental to their momentum. The Roosters, seizing the opportunity, regained control of the match. Mark Nawaqanitawase crossed for a crucial try, putting the Tricolours back in front. Despite a late surge from the Rabbitohs, with Campbell Graham adding a four-pointer to set up a thrilling finish, a late try to Roosters captain James Tedesco, following a clever kick from Daly Cherry-Evans, sealed the victory for the home side.
While Bennett acknowledged the significance of Johnston’s achievement, he struggled to mask his disappointment with the ensuing chaos. When pressed on the record in his press conference, he reiterated his belief in Johnston’s special talent, stating, “we all know how special he is.” Yet, he admitted to never having witnessed such a scene in his extensive coaching career.
“I’ve coached nearly 1000 games and that hasn’t happened. It’s a pretty special time,” the veteran Souths coach conceded.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson echoed Bennett’s sentiments, acknowledging the legendary status of Johnston’s accomplishment. “To see a milestone like that in our game is legendary, to see someone break the try-scoring record,” Robinson commented. “We didn’t want to be a part of it, but to be honest, it was really great to see him achieve that tonight.”
A Near Career-Ending Injury
Beyond the record and the stadium drama, Johnston himself revealed the personal adversity he has overcome to reach this extraordinary milestone. The 31-year-old winger admitted that the prospect of premature retirement was a very real concern after rupturing his Achilles tendon in July 2024, an injury that required season-ending surgery.
“I thought I was done, to be honest,” Johnston confessed, his voice tinged with emotion. “I was in a bad place.”
It was once again Wayne Bennett, who had previously convinced the Rabbitohs to re-sign Johnston in 2020, who played a pivotal role in encouraging him to continue his career.
“I messaged Wayne and I told him I was in a bad place and he looked after me with some kind words,” Johnston shared. “It sort of got me back on track there. To get past that and to be here tonight, it feels a little better just knowing that I had a bit of adversity to overcome as well.”
Johnston’s journey to becoming the NRL’s premier try-scorer is a testament to his resilience, skill, and the unwavering support of his family, coach, and teammates. While the record-breaking night will be remembered for both its sporting brilliance and the unprecedented fan reaction, Johnston’s personal triumph over injury adds another layer of significance to his remarkable achievement.
