Alex Johnston Becomes NRL's All-Time Leading Try-Scorer

Alex Johnston, winger for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, has become the National Rugby League's (NRL) all-time leading try-scorer, achieving his 213th career try during a match against the Sydney Roosters, surpassing Ken Irvine's 212-try record which had stood since 1973.

The record-breaking moment, occurring in the opening minute of the second half, prompted a field invasion by fans, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and resulted in a temporary halt to the game.

Record-Breaking Achievement

Alex Johnston secured the new NRL try-scoring record on Friday night at Allianz Stadium during the Rabbitohs' match against the Sydney Roosters. His 213th career try, scored early in the second half following a pass from Latrell Mitchell, surpassed Ken Irvine's record of 212 tries. Johnston had equaled Irvine's record in the first half of the same game.

Irvine's record had stood for 53 years, since 1973, and had previously surpassed Harold Horder's career total of 152 tries, a record that had stood since 1924. Johnston's achievement marks only the second time the all-time try-scoring record has changed hands in 102 years.

On-Field Celebrations and Game Interruption

Following Johnston's record-breaking try, thousands of fans entered the field of play to celebrate. This included Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is also the South Sydney Rabbitohs' No.1 ticket holder. The fan incursion led to a temporary halt in the game, lasting approximately 15 to 16 minutes, as players returned to the sheds before the match could resume.

Prior to the match, the NRL, South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett, and Sydney Football Stadium management had raised safety concerns regarding a potential pitch invasion, advocating for a post-match presentation for Johnston. Coach Bennett had cautioned fans against entering the field, and NRL officials had warned of potential $5500 fines or two-year bans for field incursions. Security personnel reportedly made arrests during the event.

Johnston described the initial minute of celebration as "awesome" but noted it became "overwhelming" due to the crowd density. Prime Minister Albanese stated that being part of the historical moment was "worth it," praising Johnston as an "extraordinary player" and "a great Australian." He also referenced his past involvement with the Souths board. Some social media users reportedly criticized Albanese's presence on the field despite NRL warnings. Despite Johnston's record, the Rabbitohs lost the game to the Roosters with a final score of 26-18.

Career Milestones and Background

Alex Johnston, aged 31, made his NRL debut on April 25, 2014, against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium, scoring his first try within six minutes. He concluded his debut season with 21 tries in 18 games, including the first points in South Sydney's Grand Final victory. A La Perouse junior, Johnston has played his entire career exclusively for the Rabbitohs, surpassing Nathan Merritt's club record of 146 tries in 2022.

His consistent performance includes scoring 105 tries in 92 games between 2020 and 2023, with two seasons achieving 30 or more tries. Johnston has been the NRL's leading try-scorer four times (2014, 2020, 2021, 2022) and has represented Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Indigenous All Stars. During his school years at Endeavour High School, he achieved an ATAR of 91.8 and was recognized for his athletic abilities and understanding of the game.

Johnston's commitment to the Rabbitohs faced challenges during contract negotiations in 2020, when he considered joining other clubs due to salary cap pressures. An online petition by fans and a letter from Johnston to club management contributed to his retention, a decision reportedly well-received by teammates. Johnston also revealed he considered retirement after sustaining an Achilles tendon rupture requiring surgery, crediting coach Wayne Bennett with providing support to continue playing. He remains a key member of South Sydney’s left edge attack, partnering with Cody Walker, Latrell Mitchell, and Campbell Graham.

Reactions from Coaches and Players

Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett described the fan invasion as "pretty disruptive," noting it interrupted his team's momentum. He also acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the event in his coaching career, stating, "I've coached nearly 1,000 games and that hasn't happened. It's a pretty special time." Roosters coach Trent Robinson commended Johnston's accomplishment, describing the breaking of the record as "legendary" and praising Johnston's humility and skill.

Veteran player Daly Cherry-Evans compared the scenes to a major AFL milestone, while Roosters captain James Tedesco observed the "wild" environment on the field.

Future Prospects and Recognition

Johnston is under contract until the end of the 2027 season and is anticipated to extend his record further. The South Sydney Rabbitohs commemorated his achievement by unveiling a statue of the player at their Heffron headquarters, a project initiated by Rabbitohs fan Danny Taibel.

Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly has proposed renaming the Ken Irvine Medal, awarded annually to the NRL's top try-scorer, to the Irvine-Johnston Medal, acknowledging both Johnston's new record and Irvine's legacy. Johnston, who has Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Papua New Guinean heritage, will participate in an upcoming Multicultural Round match. His achievement has been recognized by both Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Johnston has also indicated interest in playing for the PNG Chiefs during their inaugural NRL season in 2028 if he is not re-signed by South Sydney after his current contract, having received permission from the Rabbitohs to engage in discussions with the expansion club.