When Alex Johnston crossed for his 213th try against the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Friday, rugby league achieved something that had seemed impossible for over half a century. The 31-year-old winger broke Ken Irvine's 53-year record of 212 tries, becoming the greatest try-scorer in the sport's history.
Yet even as thousands stormed the field to celebrate and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rushed down to congratulate him, a more complex narrative was already taking shape off the field. For all his loyalty to South Sydney, Johnston's future as a one-club man now looks uncertain.
Johnston has made no secret of his desire to be player No.1 for the PNG Chiefs when they enter the NRL in 2028. What is less well known is how that ambition became contractually possible. Late last August, this masthead revealed that there is a secret clause in Johnston's contract allowing him to negotiate with PNG at any time of his choosing, despite his agreement with South Sydney running through 2027.
The clause is now being tested. Papua New Guinea powerbrokers have reached out to South Sydney about the prospect of Johnston becoming a marquee signing for the Chiefs, declaring it would be a "fantastic" way for the record-breaking winger to finish his storied career.
PNG's general manager of football Michael Chammas recently spoke to Souths chief executive Blake Solly about Johnston's future, saying "Everyone agrees that it would be fantastic for Alex to finish his career by representing his Papua New Guinean heritage at the Chiefs".
The pragmatic exit
Rather than blocking Johnston's path, South Sydney appears ready to facilitate it. Solly said the Rabbitohs wouldn't stand in Johnston's way should an opportunity in PNG present itself, noting "Alex also has an opportunity in PNG. He has captained the national team and is an icon over there". This reflects a mature institutional perspective; Johnston has delivered everything he promised and more to South Sydney.
South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett described Johnston as a "10 out of 10" and told him he would always be welcome back at South Sydney if he leaves. Bennett's willingness to let go suggests an organisation comfortable with its legacy rather than desperate to cling to it.
Yet Johnston himself remains measured. When asked about the PNG discussions after Friday's match, he said "These are conversations that I need to have with Souths and with PNG" and "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".
The PNG Chiefs do not want to enter into negotiations with prospective players until a head coach is appointed, a move that could be just weeks away with the NRL to have final say on the club's first clipboard holder. This suggests no immediate resolution is coming.
The heritage dimension
Johnston is a descendant of Saibai Island in the Torres Strait and has deep ties to Papua New Guinea through his grandmother. Marcus Bai, former PNG great and PNG Chiefs board member, told the NRL that Johnston's record would inspire Papua New Guineans for decades, saying "He is our blood, and we are proud that he has chosen to come to play for PNG".
There is more than sentiment here. The PNG Chiefs are backed by AU$600 million in Australian government funding to support the new team and grassroots development in Papua New Guinea. Having Johnston, a genuine global sporting figure with deep Pacific roots and two years of elite football left in him, would cement the franchise as a legitimate NRL competitor and not merely a geopolitical gesture.
What happens next depends on conversations between three parties: Johnston, South Sydney, and PNG. The secret clause gives him leverage, but his character suggests he will not demand anything. South Sydney has already signalled it will not block his path. And PNG knows what prize awaits if the pieces fall into place.
For now, Johnston will remain focused on his immediate task: adding to his record in cardinal and myrtle, and perhaps winning another premiership. But the possibility of a final chapter 2,000 kilometres north of Sydney is no longer speculation. It is a legitimate scenario written into his contract.