As rugby league eagerly awaits Alex Johnston’s potential to break the all-time try-scoring record, the sport finds itself in a state of anticipation and uncertainty. Johnston is just one try away from surpassing Ken Irvine’s legendary record, a milestone that could be achieved as soon as Friday night’s match against the Sydney Roosters.
This moment represents a rare historical event, one that places the rugby league community in uncharted territory. Unlike the all-time point-scoring record, which has been surpassed five times since 2000, or the appearances record, broken twice in the past 15 years, the try-scoring record has remained largely untouched. Irvine retired in 1972, having first claimed the record in 1969 by surpassing Harold Horder’s total of 152 tries.
The game in which Irvine achieved this, a 26-18 loss to St George in round 20, is as distant from today as it was from the sinking of the Titanic. Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett, now a venerable figure in the sport at 75, was merely a teenager at the time. Horder’s record had stood since 1924, meaning that Johnston’s impending achievement will mark only the second time in 102 years that the try-scoring record has changed hands.
The Weight of History and Celebration
For those involved in the game, this is an unprecedented moment. There is no established protocol for celebrating such a milestone, leading to a debate over whether a pitch invasion should occur when Johnston scores his record-breaking try. Johnston himself, along with many Rabbitohs fans, supports the idea, drawing parallels to the jubilant scenes following Lance Franklin’s 1,000th AFL goal.
However, the NRL, along with Sydney Football Stadium management, has expressed concerns over safety and plans to increase security on the night. The league intends to conduct a post-match presentation for Johnston, and the Rabbitohs are already offering commemorative merchandise in anticipation of the record falling.
A Record for the Ages
Johnston’s try-scoring journey is far from over. Under contract until the end of next season, he has the opportunity to extend the record even further, potentially reaching 250 career tries. The second-highest active try-scorer, Roosters veteran Daniel Tupou, is significantly behind with 183 tries. At 34, Tupou remains effective but would need to continue playing well into his late 30s to challenge Johnston’s record.
Other active players, such as Parramatta’s Josh Addo-Carr and James Tedesco, are also far from Johnston’s current tally. Addo-Carr, with 159 tries, started his career slightly later than Johnston and has played more representative football, limiting his club appearances. Meanwhile, Tedesco stands at 149 tries, with younger players like Newcastle’s Dominic Young and Melbourne’s Xavier Coates still a long way off.
The Longevity of the Record
Johnston’s potential to hold the record for as long as Irvine did is a testament to his consistency and the changing dynamics of rugby league. Modern advancements in sports science, extended seasons, and the structured nature of the game have increased opportunities for try-scoring, but this does not guarantee that records will be broken.
Johnston’s career has been marked by pivotal moments and circumstances that aligned perfectly. From his debut try in 2014 to the prolific period between 2020 and 2023, where he scored 105 tries in 92 games, Johnston’s path to the record has been shaped by numerous factors. The NRL’s rule changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, the arrival of key teammates, and Johnston’s resilience following an Achilles injury have all contributed to his success.
“Only eight current players across the rest of the NRL have scored more tries in their entire careers than Johnston managed in those four years alone.”
As Johnston stands on the brink of history, his achievement is a testament to perseverance and the unpredictable nature of sports. His journey underscores the delicate balance of talent, opportunity, and fortune required to reach such heights.
The rugby league world watches with bated breath as Johnston prepares to etch his name into the annals of history, a living testament to the enduring spirit of the game.
