The man who broke a sixty-year record for tries in a single season
In short: In the world of rugby league, some records are built to last decades. Alex Johnston didn't just challenge one of those; he shattered a sixty-year-old milestone in a single season. From his debut in 2014 to becoming the highest try scorer in South Sydney history, his journey is a masterclass in clinical finishing.
Alex Johnston's rise in the National Rugby League is defined by an extraordinary scoring rate. Born in Sydney with Torres Strait Islander and Papua New Guinean heritage, Johnston began his professional journey with the South Sydney Rabbitohs. He made his debut in 2014, a year that saw him finish as the competition's leading try scorer with 21 tries in just 18 matches. That same year, he helped lead the club to a Grand Final victory, scoring the opening try of the match.
The turning point for his legacy came in 2021. During that season, Johnston reached a milestone that had stood untouched for over six decades. By scoring his 30th try of the year during the Grand Final against Penrith, he surpassed the previous record held by Les Brennan. He didn't stop there; by the end of the 2022 season, he had officially become the highest try scorer in the history of the South Sydney club.
Johnston’s versatility has been a key component of his success. Often cited as a successor to Greg Inglis, he has moved between the wing and the fullback position depending on the team's needs. His consistency is remarkable: in 2020, he finished as the league's top scorer with 23 tries, and in 2022, he repeated the feat by finishing as the competition's top scorer with 30 tries. By the 2023 season, he reached his 200th first-grade appearance, cementing his status as a cornerstone of the Rabbitohs' era.
Beyond the statistics, Johnston's career reflects a deep connection to his roots. He has represented both Australia and Papua New Guinea at the international level. His journey from a schoolboy cricketer and junior league player at La Perouse United to a record-breaking professional athlete highlights a trajectory of elite performance and cultural pride.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Alex Johnston (rugby league)
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