March 15, 2026

#hakinakina: Fans storm field as Alex Johnston breaks NRL try-scoring record

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 15, 2026

South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has made rugby league history, becoming the greatest try-scorer in Australian premiership history during an emotional and chaotic night that saw fans rush the field in celebration.

Johnston scored two tries in the Rabbitohs’ clash against the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium, first equalling and then surpassing the long-standing record held by Ken Irvine. His second try of the match took him to 213 career tries, breaking a mark that had stood since 1969.

The milestone sparked extraordinary scenes at the stadium as supporters ignored warnings from the NRL and poured onto the field to celebrate with the star winger. Security staff and teammates formed a protective ring around Johnston as he was lifted onto the shoulders of teammates amid the celebrations.

The match was temporarily halted while officials worked to clear the pitch and restore order before play could resume.

Johnston had already tied the record late in the first half before breaking it shortly after the restart, finishing off a sweeping attacking movement from his teammates down the left edge.

Despite the historic moment, the result on the scoreboard went against South Sydney, with the Roosters claiming a 26-18 victory in the fierce rivalry match.

The 31-year-old has built his reputation as one of the NRL’s most prolific finishers since debuting for the Rabbitohs in 2014. Across more than a decade in the competition he has consistently ranked among the league’s leading try-scorers and has spent his entire career with the South Sydney club.

Johnston’s achievement eclipses the record set by legendary winger Ken Irvine, whose tally of 212 tries had stood for more than half a century and was widely regarded as one of the toughest records in the game to break.

The moment will go down as one of the most memorable scenes in modern rugby league, with thousands of supporters celebrating the historic try as Johnston cemented his place among the game’s all-time greats.