Alex Johnston has etched his name into rugby league history, breaking the NRL's all-time try-scoring record in a memorable night at Allianz Stadium. The South Sydney Rabbitohs winger crossed for his 213th try, surpassing Ken Irvine's long-standing record of 212 tries, set 53 years ago.
The moment came in the second half against the Gold Coast Titans, when Johnston finished a sweeping move from an offload by David Fifita. The try sparked a pitch invasion, with thousands of fans pouring onto the field to celebrate with the record-breaker. Among the first was a Roosters fan in a vintage jersey, highlighting the widespread admiration for Johnston.
Security struggled to contain the crowd as teammates tried to protect Johnston, who took over two minutes to leave the field. Despite warnings from officials and coach Wayne Bennett's concerns, the invasion was largely good-natured, with even Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joining the throng.
Johnston's achievement is remarkable given his stature in the game. While not a regular State of Origin player, his elite speed and finishing have made him a prolific scorer for Souths since his debut in 2014. He previously topped the try-scoring charts as a rookie in the club's 2014 premiership win.
Ken Irvine's record had stood for over half a century, with Billy Slater's 190 tries the closest anyone had come. Johnston's feat places him among the greats of Australian sport, though rugby league's emphasis on more than just scoring means his legacy will be measured differently.
