Why Alex Johnston might NOT be the NRL player that breaks Ken Irvine's long-standing try-scoring record
Johnston has crossed for a remarkable 207 tries from 237 games, currently well ahead of Roosters flyer Tupou with 177.
But Tupou has been in champagne touch at the business end of the season, with six tries in four matches.
The Roosters also sit on the edge of the NRL top eight and have a chance to play finals, while the Rabbitohs are out of the race.
That could potentially mean as many as four extra games this season for Tupou to close the gap.
Given the Rabbitohs' greatest-ever finisher recently inked a two-year contract extension, Johnston is in the box seat to reel in Irvine - but a potential long-term injury or lapse in form would see him looking over his shoulder nervously.
'I couldn't be happier to be staying at the club (until at least 2027),' Johnston recently said.
'Despite the recent results, I know we have a strong club here with quality players, coaches and staff, and I want to be part of returning us to the top of the ladder.
'I've enjoyed premiership success here before (2014) and I'm really focused on doing that again here for South Sydney.
'I also want to break the try-scoring record at the Rabbitohs and achievements like that come from the efforts and performances of my teammates as much as me.
'(As a unit), we are all in this together.
'I'm looking forward to working hard to turn around the back end of our season this year and then having a crack at premierships over the next two years as well.'
Tupou - who made his Tricolours debut in 2012 after playing his junior footy with Parramatta - showcased his class against the Melbourne Storm earlier this week at Allianz Stadium.
The three-time premiership winner finished with a brace - and bombed another certain four-pointer - but the 34-year-old knows his way to the line better than most.
A constant aerial threat, Tupou has 13 tries in 2025, only trailing Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (17) and Dragons winger Tyrell Sloan (15).
Post contact metres is another area of Tupou's game that is the envy of many.
The Tongan international has chalked up 1095 metres to be sitting in the NRL's top five.
Tupou is contracted until the end of 2026 - but given his longevity, it wouldn't shock if he extends his time at the club.
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