Alex Johnston has broken the record. And thousands of fans stormed the pitch

Allianz Stadium: Alex Johnston has created rugby league history – and despite South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett and the NRL’s wishes, thousands of fans stormed the pitch to celebrate.

In scenes that will never be forgotten by Johnston or the 40,000 Sydney Roosters and Souths supporters inside Allianz Stadium, Johnston was mobbed in the first minute after half-time when he became the highest try-scorer in the game.

Johnston needed a double to break Ken Irvine’s record of 212 tries, which had stood since 1973.

He scored his first try in the 32nd minute to draw level. Then pandemonium broke out when Johnston completed the double.

Fans were warned all week they would be heavily sanctioned if they jumped the fence to join in the celebrations.

They booed every time stadium officials posted reminders on the big-screen TVs that fans would be arrested, charged and fined $5500 for storming the pitch.

Once a handful of brave supporters ran on to the field to get near Johnston, the extra security guards stationed all around the Moore Park venue never stood a chance to hold back the red and green tide.

“There are a lot of emotions, I was trying not to cry when we ran back out, obviously the game didn’t go the way we wanted – it would have been much better with a win – but right now, I don’t know how to feel; it’s still sinking in,” Johnston told Nine after the game.

“I just want to get to my family and give them a big cuddle.

“We had just run out from half-time and I couldn’t believe it. It was surreal.

“The crowd ran on, obviously the NRL didn’t really want it, but it was awesome for me -- it was an unreal experience.

“I couldn’t breathe for a second because there were so many people, and it was getting so hot.”

Johnston praised Billy Slater, the Melbourne legend who was interviewing him, and joked at the end of the interview how he could scored 250 career tries himself had he played on the wing and not fullback.

The players were immediately ushered by security up the tunnel when all hell broke loose. Even Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is a passionate Souths fan, needed to be escorted off the ground.

Play stopped at 9.06pm and resumed at 9.20pm. Johnston took off his jersey and replaced it with a golden No.2 on his back.

Faithless were playing next door at the Hordern Pavilion, with the English dance band known for their ’90s anthem, God Is A DJ. This particular Black Friday night, Johnston was a god in rugby league circles.

Most people would have been happy to call it a night. How on earth could you top the epic scenes?

Latrell Mitchell kicked the conversion to get the Bunnies back to 12-all. And it was Mitchell who stripped the ball from Siua Wong to give the Rabbits – or ‘visiting team’, as the Roosters referred to them on the official scoreboard – to give them one last attacking play.

It was not to be. But this 26-18 loss felt like a serious win.

Daly Cherry-Evans scored his first try for the Roosters in the first half, then Daniel Tupou doubled the lead when he stepped inside four defenders to take his own career tally to 184 tries.

Tupou has been such an excellent loyal servant for the Bondi club, and if he played on another few years, would also be a chance of breaking Irvine’s record. If he does not retire at season’s end, 2027 would likely be his last.

For Johnston, he is still only 31 and every chance to set a mark that could stand for another 53 years.

Not only did he score tries, Johnston was also applauded when he wrapped up his opposite Mark Nawaqanitawase with the ball and drove him into touch. Even the officials were being kind to him when they ruled he had already put a foot into touch when catching a Cherry-Evans kick that sailed into touch.

David Fifita was placed on report for a high shot, as was Wong who collected Jack Wighton with his shoulder. Wong was solid in defence and did an excellent job protecting Cherry-Evans on the right edge.

Send your Alex Johnston celebration videos to christian.nicolussi@nine.com.au

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