Alex Johnston Honored with Statue After Record-Breaking Achievement
Alex Johnston has been immortalized with a statue at South Sydney's training headquarters, a tribute marking his historic achievement as the greatest tryscorer in rugby league history. Surpassing Ken Irvine's long-standing record of 212 tries, Johnston's milestone was celebrated with teammates, officials, and the NRL chief executive present at the unveiling.
"Now the pigeons can sh*t on me," Johnston remarked, acknowledging past criticisms with a touch of humor and defiance.
The initiative for the statue came from dedicated Souths fan Danny Taibel. Johnston expressed profound honor and appreciation for being immortalized, recognizing the significance of the moment. A decade prior, then-Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire had presciently predicted Johnston's potential as a superstar. Johnston vividly described his emotional reaction to breaking the 53-year-old record, including a tender moment shared with his daughter and the overwhelming influx of thousands of messages and videos from adoring fans.
Post-Record Field Invasion Sparks Concern
Following Johnston's record-breaking try, thousands of fans poured onto the field in celebration, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. While Johnston initially enjoyed being lifted by his teammates, the sheer volume of the crowd soon overwhelmed him, prompting him to request security assistance.
Despite explicit warnings of $5500 fines and 24-month bans for pitch invaders, no immediate fines were issued post-event. NSW Police, however, reported two arrests related to the invasion. A 39-year-old man was apprehended for allegedly assaulting a security guard and entering the field without authority, while a 45-year-old man was arrested for early field entry. Both individuals received court attendance notices and banning notices. Police estimated approximately 2000 fans invaded the playing field.
Club Rivalry Incident: Rabbitohs vs. Roosters Scoreboard Dispute
A notable dispute has emerged between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters following the Roosters' decision to omit the Rabbitohs' name from the official scoreboard, instead referring to them simply as "visitors." South Sydney chairman Nicholas Pappas swiftly condemned the action as "thoroughly discourteous and unprofessional," demanding an apology.
The Roosters subsequently issued a statement clarifying their stance, explaining that this approach was taken "in the spirit of the rivalry" and consistent with their practice in previous games. They indicated a willingness to cease the practice should it cause genuine concern.
Brisbane Broncos Grapple with Early Season Losses and Injuries
The Brisbane Broncos have had a challenging start to their season, suffering two consecutive losses against Penrith and Parramatta. Compounding their early struggles, skipper Adam Reynolds sustained a rib injury, casting doubt on his participation in the upcoming pivotal game against Melbourne Storm.
Despite the setbacks, five-eighth Ezra Mam stated the team remains calm, emphasizing the marathon nature of the season and the critical focus on building effective combinations. Mam attributed the team's lapses to a lack of concentration and underscored defense as a primary area for urgent improvement. He also highlighted the Broncos' historical struggles against the Storm at AAMI Park, where they haven't secured a victory since 2016.
Newcastle Knights Struck by Key Player Injuries
The Newcastle Knights have confirmed significant long-term sidelining for two crucial players: captain Kalyn Ponga and recruit Dylan Brown. Ponga has been diagnosed with a high-grade hamstring injury, which is expected to keep him out of action for 6-8 weeks. Adding to the team's woes, Brown sustained an MCL strain, requiring a month of recovery.
In response to these key absences, Fletcher Sharpe is slated to return from injury to play in the halves, partnering Sandon Smith, while Fletcher Hunt will assume the fullback position. The team's director of football, Chris James, acknowledged the challenge posed by these injuries but expressed confidence in the team's resilience and depth.
Cooper Bai's Titans Contract Causes Family Rift
Titans young gun Cooper Bai has extended his contract with the Gold Coast club through 2027, a decision that reversed an earlier agreement to join the Melbourne Storm. This contract reversal has led to a significant family dispute.
Cooper's father, Marcus Bai, a former Storm player, expressed strong disapproval of the decision, stating he was "pissed off" with his son's management and called it the "wrong decision."
Marcus indicated that Cooper had initially agreed to sign with the Storm after discussions with multiple coaches, including Craig Bellamy, but changed his mind while his father was away. Concerns have been raised about Cooper not currently speaking with his father. Cooper's new deal reportedly includes an option that could potentially make him a free agent for 2028, a year that coincides with the anticipated entry of the NRL's newest team.