Latest news with #tryscoringrecord
Daily Mail
26-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Why Alex Johnston might NOT be the NRL player that breaks Ken Irvine's long-standing try-scoring record
South Sydney star Alex Johnston is rapidly closing in on Ken Irvine's long-standing record of 212 career tries - but he could be beaten to the accolade by Daniel Tupou. 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.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Veteran Rabbitoh re-signs with NRL record in sight
Alex Johnston looks guaranteed to break the NRL's tryscoring record in South Sydney colours after signing a new contract extension. The veteran winger, six tries from an unmatched 213 career four-pointers, had been in talks with the Rabbitohs in recent weeks before the club confirmed a new two-year deal on Tuesday. An injury to Latrell Mitchell cast doubt over Johnston's ability to break the record this season, given he must now shift to fullback out of the left wing spot where he has been so prolific. But the new deal means Johnston will at least have the chance to surpass Ken Irvine's mark of 212 next season, when Souths will look to rebound from a horror campaign of injuries. It's official 😍✍️ — South Sydney Rabbitohs 🐰 (@SSFCRABBITOHS) July 22, 2025 "I couldn't be happier to be staying at the club for another two years," Johnston 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 also want to break the tryscoring record at the Rabbitohs and achievements like that come from the efforts and performances of my teammates as much as me. We're all in this together." The new deal keeps Johnston a one-club player, with the 30-year-old local product making his debut in the 2014 season. He went on to feature in that year's drought-breaking grand final win and has made 237 appearances for the club in total.
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Thousands of NRL fans beg police not to arrest them for storming the field in Souths star Alex Johnston's milestone match
South Sydney Rabbitohs fans have launched a passionate online campaign pleading with authorities to let them storm the field in celebration if club legend Alex Johnston breaks the NRL 's all-time try-scoring record. The viral petition on is calling for 'safe and respectful' fan access to the pitch, echoing scenes from Lance 'Buddy' Franklin's famous 1000th AFL goal moment in 2022. Johnston moved within touching distance of the historic milestone on Saturday night, scoring four tries in a 25-24 golden-point loss to Melbourne. Three of those came via sharp assists from Latrell Mitchell, while the fourth was a brilliant intercept effort. The 29-year-old winger now has 206 tries in 234 career matches. The record he is chasing belongs to Ken Irvine, the legendary winger for North Sydney and Manly, who crossed 212 times before retiring in 1973. That mark has stood unchallenged for more than 50 years. Johnston is now just six tries away from matching Irvine and seven from surpassing him. The online petition is gaining momentum as supporters push for a historic moment in rugby league celebration as Johnston closes in on Ken Irvine's (pictured) long-standing record 'AJ holds a special place in the heart of thousands of South Sydney Rabbitohs fans,' the fan petition states. 'A Rabbitohs junior, a 2014 premiership winner, a three-time Ken Irvine Medallist, and a Dally M Winger of the Year – but most of all, an incredible bloke.' Johnston, who almost left the club in 2020 after being told he was no longer required, has become one of the sport's most humble and consistent stars. That same year, fans rallied to keep him at the club with an online petition that drew significant support. Supporters now hope lightning will strike twice, this time calling for coordination between the NRL, club officials and police to allow fans to safely enter the field in the event Johnston breaks the record. The proposal points to the Buddy Franklin moment at the SCG as proof such celebrations can be handled in an organised way. Former premiership-winning NRL halfback Chad Townsend publicly backed the campaign on his podcast. 'Souths fans, when your guy Alex Johnston breaks the record, I'm giving you permission to run on the field,' he joked. 'Get him up on your shoulders and celebrate this. I don't know if we'll ever see it broken in our lifetime again.' Johnston himself has admitted the milestone now feels within reach. 'If you told me a few weeks ago, I would have told you I was still a fair bit away,' he said. 'But I've scored a few tries in the past few games and I'm getting close now. I'll try my best to get it this year.' He also acknowledged the tough times he's faced and credited his family for helping him through. 'I was probably not in the best place for a good while there,' he said. 'But I've got a pretty good rock at home, my family are always there for me.' Entering the field during an NRL match currently carries steep penalties in New South Wales, including a $5500 fine and a 12-month venue ban. Repeat offenders risk lifetime bans, and more serious offences can attract jail time. Despite this, fans remain hopeful a special exemption can be made for a one-off moment of history. 'Let's make this moment something rugby league never forgets,' the petition continues. 'We believe an organised field surge can be achieved with the right planning and guidelines in place.' Johnston, who is off-contract at season's end, said breaking the record and securing a new deal would be a fitting way to continue his career. 'Once I finish this season ... signing a new contract will be nice, getting that record will be nice, and then I don't know,' he said. 'Another four more years would be nice.'
