By Jac Jones.
After more than half a century, one of rugby league’s most revered records has finally fallen.
Alex Johnston, winger for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, has become the leading try-scorer in
Australian premiership history, surpassing the long-standing mark set by the late Ken Irvine.
Johnston crossed for his 213th career try in the 41st minute of South Sydney’s clash with the
Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium, eclipsing Irvine’s record of 212 tries that had stood since 1973. The milestone marked a historic moment not only for Johnston and his club but for the
sport of rugby league itself.
A one-club player, Johnston has spent his entire professional career with South Sydney. The La
Perouse academy product made his debut in 2012 against the Brisbane Broncos and instantly
made an impact, scoring a try in the Rabbitohs’ 28–26 victory. From that moment on, Johnston
quickly developed into one of the most prolific scorers the premiership has ever seen.
His rise through the ranks has been remarkable. Johnston reached his first 50 tries in just 63
matches, followed by 78 games for his second half-century. His scoring pace accelerated
further, taking only 38 matches to reach 150 tries before another 52 games brought him to the
historic milestone of 200 tries.
The winger has also produced record-setting seasons along the way. Between 2021 and 2022,
Johnston became the first player in Premiership history to score 30 tries in consecutive
seasons. In 2022, he also surpassed the Rabbitohs’ all-time try-scoring record when he
registered his 147th try for the club, overtaking South Sydney legend Nathan Merritt.
The achievement has been widely praised across the game. Andrew Abdo, NRL CEO described
the moment as one of the most significant milestones in rugby league history, in a press
conference following the match.
“On behalf of everyone involved in our game, I congratulate Alex on an achievement that will
stand the test of time,” Abdo said.
“Ken Irvine was small in stature but a giant of rugby league, one of the greatest wingers the
game has ever known. His try-scoring record stood for more than half a century and was
considered by many to be untouchable.
“That makes Alex’s achievement truly extraordinary. He is one of the finest finishers we’ve ever seen, and it is fitting that he now stands alone as the Premiership’s greatest try-scorer.”
Abdo also highlighted Johnston’s influence beyond his on-field accomplishments: “As a role model, Alex represents the very best of our game. With his Indigenous Australian and Papua New Guinean heritage, he is an inspiration to young players in southern Sydney, across Australia, and throughout the Pacific.
“For 12 seasons he has been a cornerstone of the Rabbitohs’ attack, and as a game we are
immensely proud not only of what he has achieved on the field, but of the person he is and the
positive impact he continues to have on his club, his community and his people.”
With his record-breaking 213th try now secured, and more still to come, Johnston has firmly
cemented his place among the greatest players in the echelon of rugby league history.
Surpassing Irvine’s 53-year record is an achievement few thought possible, and with Johnston
now beyond the 214-try mark, the benchmark he has set may stand for decades to come.
(Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
