Johnston’s Historic Chase Nears Completion
Alex Johnston has always been humble about his accomplishments, carefully avoiding talk of records out of respect and superstition. But after Saturday’s explosive performance against the Storm, the South Sydney Rabbitohs winger can no longer deny what’s coming. With four tries added to his tally, Johnston now sits at 206 career tries—just six shy of breaking Ken Irvine’s legendary record, a milestone once deemed untouchable in NRL history.
Blazing Form Against Top Opposition
The 30-year-old winger’s recent form has been nothing short of astonishing. A second-half hat-trick in a thrilling golden point loss to the Melbourne Storm brought his tally to nine tries in his past four matches, all against teams currently in the NRL’s top four. With 11 tries already this season across just seven games, Johnston is barreling toward the record with undeniable momentum—and he could even surpass it as early as next month.
Johnston Reacts to Surging Try Count
Speaking after the game, Johnston reflected on the incredible run, saying, “If you told me a few weeks ago, I would have told you I was still a fair bit away.” Yet, as the tries continue to rack up, the magnitude of the achievement is beginning to dawn on him. “I’ll try my best to get it this year. It will be very special.”
The Power of Teamwork Behind the Tries
What makes Johnston’s rise even more inspiring is the teamwork behind each try. He credited Latrell Mitchell, who provided three magnificent assists during the game. Johnston was quick to honor the broader Rabbitohs’ backline, praising Cody Walker and Greg Inglis for their role in his journey. “Trell was pretty much feeding me those tries, so it was pretty good,” he said with a smile.
Gratitude for Longtime Teammates
He added, “They are two special fullbacks that I’ve played with… Cody probably has even more try assists to me. The centres I’ve had over the years as well, I’ve been lucky to be on the end of a pretty special backline.” His words reflect not only his gratitude but also a deep understanding of rugby league’s collaborative nature.
Bittersweet Loss Despite Milestone Moment
Still, the elation of breaking personal records is tempered by team results. Despite his individual success, Johnston labeled the loss “bittersweet”, emphasizing, “We should have won the game.” This duality captures Johnston’s character—a player driven by both personal excellence and team pride.
A Record-Worthy Celebration—or Not?
The looming record raises questions about how the NRL will mark such a momentous occasion. In AFL, a player’s 1000th goal prompts a field invasion by fans. Johnston, however, is known for his humility and doesn’t plan any extravagant celebration. “I don’t have the flair to do anything too crazy,” he said, appreciating simply being back on the field after a devastating Achilles injury last year that cast doubt over his future.
An Emotional Journey Marked by Resilience
When Johnston reached 200 tries, the crowd erupted in a standing ovation—a moment he describes as “special”, especially given the difficult personal circumstances he had overcome. Now, just a few games later, he’s up to 206. “Things are looking up,” he says. “I’ve got a pretty good rock at home, and my family are always there for me.”
Future at South Sydney Still in Play
With his contract expiring at season’s end, Johnston is in discussions to extend his time with Souths. “We’re still chatting,” he confirmed. “I know my manager and Souths were in talks this week. I think it’s very close.”
More Than a Record—A Legacy in Motion
And if all goes well? He’s got plans. “Signing a new contract will be nice, getting that record will be nice, and then I don’t know. Another four more years would be nice.” A 2014 premiership winner, Johnston isn’t done yet—not by a long shot.
A Legend in the Making
As he nears a title that once seemed immortal, the rugby league world watches with anticipation. Alex Johnston isn’t just scoring tries—he’s etching his name into the annals of sporting history.
