Alex Johnston becomes the Greatest Rugby League Try Scorer

2026-03-13 - 11:06

South Sydney veteran Alex Johnston has surpassed Ken Irvine’s try-scoring record with a double against the Roosters on Friday night, sparking rapturous scenes at a sold-out Allianz Stadium. The 31-year-old crossed late in the first half to match Irvine on 212 tries and scored the historic 213th try in the very first minute after half-time. Thousands of fans stormed the field despite the threat of being “arrested, charged, fined $5500 and banned for 24 months” after even Johnston’s coach Wayne Bennett, captain Cameron Murray and other teammates warned against jumping the fence. Anticipation had been building for years after Johnston scored a whopping 104 tries across 2020-23 before he was cut down by a ruptured Achilles in 2024. But he was quickly back on track upon returning last year, threatening to break Irvine’s mark late in the season on his way to a final tally of 15 tries in 16 games. Johnston received a flick pass from Latrell Mitchell inside the 10m to score his first on Friday night. Just seconds into the second half he became the toast of the NRL, lifted up above a throng of supporters by teammates after sprinting 35m to score.