Johnston Becomes NRL’s All-Time Try King

 A record that stood for more than half a century has fallen after South Sydney winger Alex Johnston scored his 213th career try to become the NRL’s greatest tryscorer.

Papua New Guinea rugby league fans were among thousands celebrating the historic moment when Johnston crossed the line in the 41st minute during the Rabbitohs’ clash at Allianz Stadium on Friday night.

Johnston Becomes NRL’s All-Time Try King

The try, Johnston’s second of the match, sparked emotional scenes as the crowd erupted in celebration following the historic achievement.

Excited supporters soon poured onto the field, forcing match officials to suspend the game for around 15 minutes while security cleared the pitch.

During the delay, Johnston was presented with a gold jersey in recognition of his record-breaking feat before play eventually resumed.

The historic try came from a brilliant attacking sequence by South Sydney, beginning with a strong break from David Fifita.

The ball was shifted through Cameron Murray and Latrell Mitchell before Johnston raced roughly 40 metres down the left edge to complete the play and make history.

The previous record holder was rugby league legend Ken Irvine, who finished his career with 212 tries after playing for North Sydney and Manly from 1958 to 1973.

Johnston has built a remarkable career with the Rabbitohs since his debut in 2014, scoring 21 tries in 18 matches during the club’s premiership-winning season.

The record was set against fierce rivals the Sydney Roosters, adding another chapter to one of rugby league’s longest-standing rivalries.

The Rabbitohs will now turn their attention to next week’s clash against the Wests Tigers, another side Johnston has regularly scored against throughout his career.