New two-year deal for South Sydney try-scoring machine Alex Johnston

The NRL’s try-scoring record is in touching distance for a South Sydney star and a new deal could help set an unbelievable new high.

South Sydney try machine Alex Johnston could set an NRL record no one will ever be able to chase down after earning an extra two years at the club.

Johnston, 30, needs just six tries to break Ken Irvine’s longstanding record of 212 and, with the rest of 2025, plus now 2026 and 2027, could set an unreachable mark courtesy of his new deal.

Already South Sydney’s greatest try scorer with 207 from his 237 NRL games, Johnston could pass Irvine and then put a gap on the rest of the chasers.

“I couldn’t be happier to be staying at the club for another two years,” Johnston said.

“Despite the recent results, I know we have a strong club here with quality players, coaches and staff, and I want to be part of returning us to the top of the ladder.

“I’ve enjoyed premiership success here before and I’m really focused on doing that again here for South Sydney.

Alex Johnston scores one of his 207 tries.

“I also want to break the try-scoring record at the Rabbitohs and achievements like that come from the efforts and performances of my teammates as much as me. We’re all in this together.

“I also would like to thank the members for their support. There are no more loyal supporters in the game and I love representing them each week as well. I thank them for sticking by us and encouraging us throughout some difficult times on field.

“I’m looking forward to working hard to turn around the back end of our season this year and then having a crack at premierships over the next two years as well.”

Veteran Sydney Roosters winger Daniel Tupou is the closest active player to Johnston with 175 career tries.

MOST NRL TRIES

1 Ken Irvine 212

2 Alex Johnston* 207

3 Billy Slater 190

4 Steve Menzies 180

5 Brett Morris 176

Originally published as New two-year deal for South Sydney try-scoring machine Alex Johnston