Rugby League World Applauds PNG's Johnston After Record-Breaking 213th Try

Papua New Guinea rugby league fans joined supporters across the sport in celebrating a historic moment after South Sydney winger Alex Johnston became the NRL’s all-time leading tryscorer with his 213th career try on Friday night.

The milestone came during the Rabbitohs’ clash at Allianz Stadium when Johnston crossed in the 41st minute to surpass a record that had stood in the premiership for more than five decades.

 Rugby League World Applauds  PNG's Johnston After Record-Breaking 213th Try [Alex Johnson received tryscoring record breaking award from Australian Prime Minister Albanese] 

The historic moment sparked wild celebrations inside the stadium as thousands of excited supporters flooded onto the pitch moments after Johnston touched down for the record-breaking try.

Match officials were forced to pause the game for about 15 minutes while security staff worked to clear the field and restore order before play could resume.

During the stoppage, Johnston was presented with a special gold jersey to mark the historic achievement before returning to the field to complete the match.

The record-setting try came from a sweeping attacking movement by South Sydney, beginning with a strong break by David Fifita before the ball was shifted through Cameron Murray and Latrell Mitchell.

Johnston then sprinted about 40 metres down the left edge to finish the play, sealing the moment that lifted him past the long-standing record previously held by legendary winger Ken Irvine.

Irvine had set the benchmark with 212 tries during a remarkable career with North Sydney and Manly between 1958 and 1973.

Now in his 13th season with the Rabbitohs, Johnston first made headlines in 2014 when he scored 21 tries in 18 games during his debut season as South Sydney ended a 43-year premiership drought.

The milestone came against traditional rivals the Sydney Roosters, a team Johnston has frequently troubled throughout his career, scoring 20 tries in 25 matches against them.

South Sydney will now prepare for their next match against the Wests Tigers, another side Johnston has enjoyed success against with 20 tries already scored against the club.