South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has etched his name into Rugby League folklore, becoming the greatest try-scorer in Australian Premiership history.
A proud one‑club player, Johnston surpassed the 53‑year‑old record held by the late Ken Irvine by crossing for his 213th career try in the 41st minute of his side’s clash with the Sydney Roosters at a sold-out Allianz Stadium.
The La Perouse junior, of Papua New Guinean, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, reached the milestone in his 245th Premiership appearance — a moment widely regarded as one of the most significant individual achievements in the history of the game.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said Johnston’s record represented a rare and defining moment for Rugby League.
“On behalf of everyone involved in our game, I congratulate Alex on an achievement that will stand the test of time,” Mr 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.”
Mr Abdo said Johnston’s impact extended well beyond the try line.
“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.”
Johnston was presented with the match ball and a commemorative display case marking the milestone, and will also receive a custom ring upon his retirement from the NRL detailing his final try‑scoring record.
Ken Irvine debuted as an 18‑year‑old in 1958 and scored his 212th try in his 234th Premiership match (including nine Finals appearances) at the age of 33. Named in the Australian Rugby League Team of the Century in 2008, Irvine reached his milestones with remarkable consistency — taking 47 matches to score his first 50 tries, 48 for his second, 56 for his third, and 67 for his fourth.
Johnston debuted as a 19‑year‑old in 2014 and has achieved the record at the age of 31. His strike rate has been equally extraordinary — taking 63 matches for his first 50 tries, 78 for his second, just 38 for his third, and 52 for his fourth.
In 2022, Johnston became the Rabbitohs’ all‑time leading try‑scorer during Indigenous Round, surpassing club legend Nathan Merritt with his 147th career try. He is also the leading try‑scorer in the 26‑year history of Sydney’s Accor Stadium (formerly Stadium Australia).
Johnston is a three‑time recipient of the Ken Irvine Medal, awarded to the game’s leading try‑scorer, winning the honour in 2020, 2021 and 2022. In 2022, he became the first player in Premiership history to score 30 tries in consecutive seasons.
