Alex Johnston's Record-Breaking NRL Tries: History Made in Red and Green
Johnston entered the game needing just one try to equal Ken Irvine's long-standing record of 212. He got there in the first half with a sharp finish off a Latrell Mitchell flick pass. Then, just one minute into the second half, he exploded down the left edge for a brilliant coast-to-coast runaway try — his 213th in the NRL — surpassing Irvine and claiming the crown as the greatest try-scorer in Australian rugby league history.
The scenes were electric. Fans ignored warnings and stormed the field in wild celebration, swarming Johnston and his teammates in a sea of red and green. Even reports suggest the Australian PM joined the chaos on the pitch. The game paused amid the joy, a fitting tribute to one of the game's most humble and consistent finishers.
What makes this achievement special? Johnston has been a try-scoring machine for years — topping the NRL leaderboard in 2014, 2020, 2021, and 2022 (earning the Ken Irvine Medal those times). All 213 tries have come in the famous red and green of the Rabbitohs across 244+ games (and counting). He's held Souths' club try record for a while, but now he's the undisputed king of the entire comp.
This record isn't just about numbers — it's a testament to longevity, speed, positioning, and that killer instinct in the corner. Breaking a 57-year-old benchmark set by a legend like Irvine shows how rare and special this is. Many thought it might never fall in the modern era with tougher defenses and video refs, but AJ kept chipping away, year after year.
Rabbitohs fans (and footy lovers everywhere) will remember this moment forever. Congrats to Alex Johnston — the new all-time try king. What a legend.
Do you reckon anyone catches his tally in the future, or is this one safe for decades? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
