Alex Johnston joined Ken Irvine on 212 career tries in the 31st minute as Cody Walker found Latrell Mitchell, who delivered a brilliant flick pass for Johnston to cross at Allianz Stadium on Friday, 13 March 2026. The moment crystallised one of rugby league's greatest individual milestones, reached in the perfect arena for such a contest: the all-Sydney derby between South Sydney and the Roosters.
For more than half a century, Ken Irvine has held the national rugby league top try-scoring title with 212 tries in his 15-year career. Irvine scored 171 tries in 178 games for North Sydney between 1958-70 before moving to Manly and racking up 41 tries in 60 games. The man from Cremorne was a different breed: electrifying speed, ruthless finishing, the kind of winger who made the ball do impossible things. Yet few imagined his record would ever be challenged, let alone matched.
Johnston has changed that calculation. The 31-year-old is currently sitting on 211 tries after scoring in round one against the Dolphins. One game, one flick pass from his captain, and rugby league has a new conversation to have about its greatest try-scorer. The Rabbitohs winger now stands level with Irvine. One more try and Johnston claims the outright record all for himself.
What makes Johnston's ascent remarkable is its constancy. Unlike Irvine's era, when defensive structures were less formalised and attacking patterns more expansive, Johnston has thrived in a game of collapsing defences and specialist wrestling in the ruck. He made his debut for the Bunnies in 2014, going on to play in the grand final that year when Souths broke its 43-year premiership drought, and is a one-club player, recording 243 NRL games so far for Souths.
That loyalty has defined Johnston's career. Despite advances from other clubs, including reported interest from the Tigers and Storm, he has remained in Redfern. Coach Wayne Bennett played a pivotal role in keeping Johnston at the club after he penned a heartfelt letter expressing his desire to stay. Such commitment in an age of endless player movement is itself a kind of record.
The milestone carries weight beyond statistics. Irvine racked up 212 tries during his illustrious career playing for North Sydney and Manly-Warringah between 1958 and 1973. His record outlasted entire generations of players, stood firm through the code's transformation from amateur regionalism to a national professional competition. That Johnston could touch it speaks to an almost inhuman consistency in finding the line.
As the Rabbitohs prepare for the moments ahead, Johnston remains one try away from sole possession of rugby league's most coveted individual honour. The record has belonged to Ken Irvine for 53 years. It may belong to Alex Johnston by week's end.