Johnston Breaks Irvine’s 53-Year Try-Scoring Record

Alex Johnston has made history on Friday night (March 13th) after scoring 2 tries against the Sydney Roosters, bringing his try tally up to 213 and surpassing Ken Irvine’s 212 tries, which was set in 1973. 

It took 53 years for a modern-day try-scoring sensation in Alex Johnston to eclipse Irvine’s untouchable NRL try-scoring record that stood for over half a century. 

The Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs are two of the NRL’s foundational clubs, with their rivalry going back to 1908 when rugby league was first established. 

To break the NRL's try-scoring record against a rival club meant a lot for not only Johnston but also to the Rabbitohs, the coaching staff, the board and management, and the loyal fans. 

Johnston has finally reached the peak of Mt Everest after 53 years, becoming the NRL’s newly crowned try-scoring king and etching his name in immortality. 

The versatile outside back was overwhelmed with accomplishing the historic feat, thanking his family, the Rabbitohs organization, his teammates, and the loyal fans for their support.

“It’s an awesome feeling. I’m pretty happy with myself, so I’m going to enjoy this moment,” the elated record-breaking man said.

“I want to thank my family, my teammates, the board and management of South Sydney Rabbitohs, the fans, and the people back home (PNG) for their support.”

Johnston revealed that he would visit PNG a few times this year, acknowledging Papua New Guineans love and adoration every time he sets foot in the country. 

He has a few more years to play in the top-flight competition, which will see him score more tries and increase his try-scoring tally to around 250 before he retires.

The NRL’s new try-scoring record holder aims to help the Rabbitohs reach the finals this year, hoping to claim his second premiership with the cardinal and myrtle franchise.