Johnston inches closer to breaking all-time NRL try-scoring record

South Sydney Rabbitohs and Papua New Guinea Kumul star Alex Johnston is just 15 tries away from equalling the National Rugby League's all-time try-scoring record, currently held by the great Ken Irvine [212 tries].

The 30-year-old crossed for his 197th career try last Sunday in the Rabbitohs’ 22-12 win over the Wests Tigers.

As Johnston inches closer to a milestone once thought unbreakable, the rugby league world is watching with anticipation.

Souths head coach Wayne Bennett has publicly expressed his desire to see the Kumuls fullback reach the historic mark while still wearing the Rabbitohs jersey.

Johnston, who has made 10 appearances for the PNG Kumuls since 2019, also enjoys strong support in Papua New Guinea, where fans are eagerly following his journey to the try line.

Injuries remain the biggest hurdle in his pursuit of history as his 2024 season was cut short in July due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, limiting him to just 13 games.

During a visit to PNG last November, he told fans that his rehabilitation was the top priority during NRL off-season.

He made his return in Round 4 this year but suffered an upper rib injury after scoring against Penrith, sidelining him for two weeks.

After another appearance in Round 6 against the Cowboys, a hamstring issue kept him out for four more rounds. He made his comeback over the weekend against the Tigers.

Johnston is currently in the final year of a three-year contract extension he signed in 2023.

A fan favourite, he received overwhelming support from Rabbitohs fans last year, including an online petition that played a key role in securing his stay at Redfern.

Sitting second behind Ken Irvine, the West Sepik native is likely to break the record at the conclusion of the 2025 NRL roster.