Why Bennett won't stand in way of greatest tryscorer joining Chiefs

Wayne Bennett described Alex Johnston as a “10 out of 10” and told the greatest tryscorer in premiership history he would always be welcome back at South Sydney if he leaves to become a foundation player for the PNG Chiefs.

Johnston sparked unprecedented scenes at Allianz Stadium when he crossed for his second try against Sydney Roosters to break Ken Irvine’s 53-year-old record and the Kumuls star plans to travel to PNG to celebrate with fans.

A fan favourite in Papua New Guinea, Johnston has made no secret of his desire to be player No.1 for the Chiefs when they enter the NRL in 2028 after re-signing with the Rabbitohs until 2027.

“These are conversations that I need to have with Souths and with PNG, and that's probably something that's going to happen in the future,” Johnston said.

“I just want to keep playing as long as I can. I've got another season at Souths and hopefully can keep playing on after that.”

Sitting beside Johnston at the post-match press conference, Bennett said: “Souths will always be there for him, so if he wants to do something else then come back to Souths, that's never going to be a problem.

“The game is blessed to have a player like him, particularly when winning this award as well, because he's as good a player as I've ever coached, with regards to his behaviour, discipline, commitment to team - all the things that matter.

"He's a 10 out of 10. The game is blessed that he's broken the record.”

Told that fans in Papua New Guinea were just as excited as the 41,424 in attendance at Allianz Stadium, many of whom stormed the field when he scored his record breaking 213th try, Johnston said: “I'm sure they were.

“I'm going to go over there, I'm pretty sure, a couple of times this year, so I'll celebrate with them then and I'm sure the scenes will be very similar as they were tonight, that's for sure.”

Johnston, who returned to the field after a 16-minute stoppage wearing a new jersey with a gold No.2 on his back, has played 245 NRL matches since debuting for Souths in 2014.

However, he has strong ties to Papua New Guinea through his grandmother, and is a huge star in the league-mad country, who will have their own NRL team from 2028.

Both the PNGRFL and the Chiefs congratulated Johnston, who is Kumul No.294.

"We want to acknowledge not just the number, but the consistency, professionalism, and class you’ve shown over so many seasons," the Chiefs posted on social media.

"You continue to set the standard for excellence in our game and you continue to fly the flag proudly for our country.

"Your journey inspires players across PNG and the Pacific, you’ve made a huge impact on our young PNG boys and girls who see what is possible with discipline, humility, and hard work.

"Records like this don’t happen by accident they’re built on years of commitment and love for the sport. We celebrate you today and wish you many more moments of brilliance ahead, you’re a true professional and an amazing ambassador for PNG."

The PNGRFL posted: "The country’s pride radiates from the mountains of Lumi station to the bordering islands between PNG and Australia. Your achievement will be told for generations to come as the Kumul that soared to the greatest peak of NRL try-scoring history."

Bennett, the most successful and longest serving coach in the game's history, said: "I've coached nearly a thousand games and that hasn't happened before, so...it's a pretty special time".