Rugby League Royalty: Alex Johnston Claims All-Time Try-Scoring Crown
In a night etched in Australian rugby league folklore, South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has officially been crowned the greatest try-scorer in the sport’s storied history. The electrifying moment arrived during a nail-biting clash against fierce rivals the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium, sending shockwaves of jubilation through the packed crowd, including a notable appearance from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Johnston, a veteran of the game, entered the highly anticipated match on 211 tries, standing just one shy of the seemingly unbreakable 53-year-old record held by the legendary Ken Irvine. It took him a mere 31 minutes to draw level with Irvine’s monumental achievement, but the history-maker in him wasn’t finished. Just ten minutes later, Johnston etched his name into the record books, crossing for his 212th try.
The pivotal moment came through a sublime flick pass from teammate Latrell Mitchell. Johnston, on the left flank, made no mistake, bringing his side onto the scoreboard after they had initially fallen behind 12-0.
The sheer emotion of the occasion was palpable. A passionate fan, clad in a Rabbitohs jersey, briefly breached the field of play but was quickly apprehended by security.
Adding a touch of narrative irony, it was Latrell Mitchell – the same player who had controversially opted not to pass to an open Johnston in a previous game – who provided the assist for the record-breaking try. Mitchell broke through the Roosters’ defence and linked up with the veteran winger, who then streaked away to surpass Irvine’s magical mark.
The stadium erupted. Thousands of fans, seemingly undeterred by an increased security presence, flooded onto the field in a spontaneous outpouring of adoration. The game was halted for an extraordinary 16 minutes as officials worked to clear the playing surface, allowing Johnston to return, proudly sporting a golden number ‘2’ on his back – a fitting tribute to his newfound status.
Among the throng of ecstatic supporters was Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a self-proclaimed passionate supporter of the Rabbitohs. He seized the opportunity to be part of a significant sporting milestone, though it’s unlikely he’ll face any repercussions for his on-field presence. However, for many other fans, the excitement came with a hefty price. A number of individuals were arrested and now face substantial fines of $5500 and two-year bans from attending matches. The sold-out crowd vociferously booed every time warnings about these penalties flashed up on the stadium’s giant screen.
Johnston’s family, including his three young children, were present to witness their father achieve this incredible feat.
Later, in the sanctuary of the dressing room, Johnston’s teammates showed their appreciation by dousing him in beer, a classic rugby league celebration.
“It was very special to have my family here and to do it in the red and green as well. I wouldn’t do it in any other colours,” Johnston shared with Fox Footy post-match. “I just had a beer with the boys and they tipped beer all over me. So now I’m stinking and I need a shower right now.”
Despite the potential for fan congestion, the pre-game entry process appeared to be standard, albeit with a noticeable increase in security personnel.
The evening also carried a somber note, with victims of the recent horrific Bondi terror attack being honoured before kick-off, a poignant tribute in front of the capacity crowd. Roosters chief executive Joe Kelly acknowledged the significance of a sold-out stadium for their first home game of the season, stating, “To see Allianz Stadium sold out tonight for our first home game of the season is a testament to one of the great traditions of our game. Our members and supporters consistently create an incredible atmosphere at Allianz Stadium, and we know tonight will be no different.”
Interestingly, the Roosters seemed intent on downplaying the milestone, with the scoreboard displaying “visiting team” in place of the Rabbitohs’ name.
Roosters Fight Back to Spoil the Party
While Johnston’s record-breaking night dominated headlines, the match itself was a hard-fought contest. The Roosters, despite the emotional circumstances, managed to secure a 26-18 victory.
A notable performance came from Daly Cherry-Evans, who, after a challenging debut for the Roosters, reminded everyone of his capabilities. He opened the scoring for his side with a dazzling run through the defence. The Roosters’ defensive efforts appeared significantly improved from their previous outing, with star winger Daniel Tupou continuing his impressive try-scoring form with a powerful solo effort.
However, it was the other winger, Mark Nawaqanitawase, who scored what proved to be the decisive try. In a spectacular play on the right edge, he managed to stay in-field and plant the ball, effectively dampening the South Sydney celebrations. Skipper James Tedesco sealed the victory in the dying moments, pouncing on a clever grubber from Cherry-Evans, as tensions threatened to boil over.
