Roosters Edge Rabbitohs as Alex Johnston Shatters All-Time Try-Scoring Record Amidst Fan Invasion

Australia - Ekhbary News Agency

Roosters Edge Rabbitohs as Alex Johnston Shatters All-Time Try-Scoring Record Amidst Fan Invasion

In a night destined for the rugby league annals, the Sydney Roosters clinched a crucial win against their fierce rivals, the South Sydney Rabbitohs. However, the spotlight overwhelmingly focused on Souths' veteran winger, Alex Johnston, who etched his name in history by breaking the National Rugby League's (NRL) all-time try-scoring record. The monumental achievement was accompanied by scenes of jubilation and chaos as thousands of fans, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, disregarded official warnings and flooded the Allianz Stadium pitch.

Johnston, the prolific South Sydney flyer, entered the record books with his 213th career try, his second of the Friday night clash against the Sydney Roosters. This remarkable feat surpassed the previous benchmark of 212 tries set by the legendary Ken Irvine back in 1973. Earlier in the game, Johnston had equalled Irvine's mark, latching onto a slick Latrell Mitchell flick pass for his first try of the evening.

The match had seen increased security measures in anticipation of potential pitch invasions, following appeals from Souths players and coach Wayne Bennett for supporters to refrain from entering the field. Despite the NRL's stern warnings of significant fines, potential arrests, and stadium bans, the allure of witnessing history was too strong for many. Fans were seen booing earlier in the game when warnings against entering the field were displayed on the big screen. The majority of the pitch invaders took approximately five minutes to return to the stands, prompted by the stadium announcer reminding the crowd, "we have a game of rugby league to play." Prime Minister Albanese, a known devoted Souths supporter, was among those present on the field, celebrating the historic moment.

Beyond Johnston's individual brilliance, the night also marked a significant occasion for the Roosters. Humiliated by the Warriors in the previous week, the Roosters secured their first win of the 2026 season. "Last week didn't show the team we are," Roosters captain James Tedesco told Brad Fittler on Nine. "We knew we had to bounce back for our season, and we knew it wouldn’t be easy." Tedesco also lauded the performance of halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, who delivered a commanding display, scoring the Roosters' opening try and setting up the match-winner, after facing criticism for his club debut the week prior. "His control, his kicking game. He adds so much value to us and he’ll just get better and better," Tedesco commented.

For Souths supporters, the bittersweet feeling of witnessing a loss to their arch-rivals was likely tempered by the privilege of being present for Alex Johnston's historic achievement. The experience might, in time, be remembered more fondly than the game's result, much like Australian cricket fans recall Steve Waugh's iconic century at the SCG, even if England ultimately won that Test match.

Speaking to Billy Slater post-match, a visibly emotional Johnston expressed his gratitude: "To be here in this situation I can’t believe it. Honestly, it’s beyond words, and I feel so privileged right now."

The closing moments of the game saw a masterclass from the Roosters' veteran playmakers, Daly Cherry-Evans and James Tedesco. With under two minutes remaining, Cherry-Evans executed a perfectly weighted grubber kick that found Tedesco, who touched down for the game-winning try, sealing the Roosters' first victory of the season.

The match wasn't without its ebbs and flows. Following Johnston's record-breaking try, the game settled into a tense contest. Errors crept in from both sides, but the Roosters managed to regain control. Souths showed resilience, with Jack Wighton orchestrating a brilliant try for Campbell Graham, narrowing the deficit to two points. However, a penalty against Latrell Mitchell, converted by Sam Walker, extended the Roosters' lead to eight. Despite the late pressure from the Rabbitohs, the Roosters held firm, with Walker adding another conversion to maintain their advantage.

Ultimately, while Alex Johnston rightfully claimed the headlines for his historic milestone, the Sydney Roosters celebrated a vital win that kickstarts their season. The dramatic scenes of fan celebration underscored the passion and significance of rugby league in Australia.

Ekhbary News Agency