South Sydney winger Alex Johnston became the most prolific try-scorer in Australian rugby league history on Friday. Johnston recorded his 213th career try during a 26-18 loss to the Sydney Roosters. Thousands of spectators breached the Allianz Stadium perimeter to celebrate the milestone. Officials suspended play for 16 minutes to clear the field.
Johnston surpassed Ken Irvine’s benchmark of 212 tries. Irvine established the outright record in 1969. He retired in 1973. Johnston reached the 213-try mark in his 244th first-grade appearance.
The 31-year-old entered the Round 2 matchup with 211 career tries. He equaled Irvine’s record in the 31st minute. The record-breaking sequence occurred one minute into the second half. Latrell Mitchell delivered a flick pass to the left flank. Johnston collected the ball and scored.
The pitch invasion violated zero-tolerance directives. The league doubled security personnel at the venue ahead of the fixture. Administrators threatened pitch invaders with $5,500 fines and two-year stadium bans.
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett instructed supporters to “stay off the field” during media sessions earlier in the week. Johnston addressed the anticipated crowd reaction prior to the match. He stated, “They can’t fine everyone.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined the thousands of fans on the field following the 41st-minute try. Stadium security eventually removed the crowd from the playing surface. Play resumed.
The Roosters secured the 26-18 victory after the 16-minute interruption. The milestone permanently alters the historical sports record books.
Kabar dari Rugby XIII. Alex Johnston menggemparkan seisi Allianz Stadium, Sydney usai berhasil mencetak try ke-213 dalam karirnya.
Pemain Rabbitohs tsb melewati rekor Ken Irvine sebagai pencetak try terbanyak di NRL sepanjang masa.
GILAK!!! 😬pic.twitter.com/8qPgIlUNTx
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