Alex Johnston is officially the greatest try scorer in Australian rugby league history prompting incredible scenes at Allianz Stadium as thousands of fans, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, stormed the field just a minute into the second half of South Sydney’s game against the Roosters.
Watch every game of every round of the Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
The Rabbitohs veteran entered the Friday night blockbuster on 211 tries, one shy of Irvine’s record that has stood for 53 years, but it only took him 31 minutes to draw level and another 10 to etch his name into the history books.
Johnston was on the receiving end of a lovely flick pass from Latrell Mitchell and made no mistakes down the left flank to get his side on the board after they fell behind 12-0.
One fan in a Rabbitohs jersey ran onto Allianz Stadium but was swiftly rounded up by security before he could get far.
And it was Mitchell – the man who didn’t pass to Johnston last week with the line wide open – who broke through and linked up with the veteran winger who raced away to past Irvine’s magical mark.
It led to wild scenes as beefed up security couldn’t stop thousands of fans from storming the field to celebrate one of the greatest moments in rugby league history, with the game delayed by 16 minutes as officials cleared the field.
That included the PM who is a huge Souths fan and didn’t miss the opportunity to be a part of history, although it’s unlikely he’ll be fined or banned.
A number of fans were arrested and face $5500 fines and two-year bans, with the sold-out crowd booing every time warnings flashed up on the big screen threatening the harsh penalties.
Alex Johnston two tries from history | 02:15
MORE: From nervy debut to iconic record … and how it was all saved by letter that wowed Wayne
“I love it. I’m so proud of AJ and everything he’s accomplished,” former teammate Adam Reynolds said on Fox League.
“I know this would be a big moment for him and his family. Obviously he’s worked extremely hard, he’s a Souths junior.
“To get to where he is, obviously honoured to play some sort of part in his career and set up his first try. I can always hold that close to my heart but magical scenes out there.”
Premiership-winning halfback Cooper Cronk, meanwhile, called it the “greatest moment in our game’s history for a long period of time”.
“(Since) 1969 Ken Irvine has held the record. 57 years he has held that record. Alex Johnston tonight has become the greatest of all time in terms of scoring tries… that is worth a million dollars what he just did,” Cronk added.
“The scenes are unbelievable. This will be replayed for years and years.”
Discussion about this post