Johnston Breaks NRL Try Record Amid Stadium Scoreboard Dispute

Alex Johnston etched his name into NRL history on Friday night, scoring his 213th career try during a game where the Rabbitohs faced the Roosters. This achievement established a new NRL try-scoring record, surpassing Ken Irvine's previous record of 212 tries. However, the post-match atmosphere quickly turned contentious due to a dispute concerning the scoreboard display at Allianz Stadium.

Record-Breaking Night for Johnston

During a pivotal game against the Roosters, Alex Johnston scored his 213th career try, setting a new NRL try-scoring record. This monumental feat saw him eclipse Ken Irvine's long-standing record of 212 tries, marking a significant milestone for the South Sydney winger.

Scoreboard Spat Ignites Post-Match

Following the record-breaking match, a dispute arose between the two clubs, centered on the scoreboard presentation at Allianz Stadium. Rabbitohs chairman Nick Pappas strongly criticized the Roosters for displaying South Sydney solely as the 'visiting team' on the stadium scoreboards, rather than featuring their club name and logo.

Pappas described the absence of the Rabbitohs' name as 'discourteous' and interpreted it as a gesture linked to an ongoing disagreement regarding the use of Allianz Stadium.

The Rabbitohs have consistently advocated for playing more home games at the venue, which they consider a public asset, asserting that the Roosters should not maintain exclusive control. Pappas called for an apology from the Roosters concerning the scoreboard presentation. Reports from The Sydney Morning Herald indicated that the Roosters had, in fact, requested this specific scoreboard alteration.

Roosters' Reactions Divided

The scoreboard controversy elicited varied reactions from Roosters players. Mark Nawaqanitawase found the move somewhat amusing, stating that it was 'quite funny' and 'a nice little touch.'

In contrast, his teammate Lindsay Collins expressed clear disapproval of the alteration. "I saw it, but I wasn't a fan of it, myself," Collins remarked. He further added that he values good sportsmanship and would not have supported such a change.