The prospect of Alex Johnston breaking rugby league’s 53-year-old try-scoring record has helped bring about a rare ceasefire between sworn enemies South Sydney and the Sydney Roosters.
Johnston has 211 career tries and requires two more against the Roosters on Friday night to go past Ken Irvine’s mark of 212, which has stood since 1973.
Milestone man: Will Alex Johnston break the try-scoring record on Friday.Credit: NRL Images
The NRL, Allianz Stadium officials and Souths coach Wayne Bennett have all warned fans not to invade the field should Johnston make history.
Though Friday night’s derby is a Roosters home game, Tricolours officials have told the NRL they will not object to any post-game celebrations should Johnston break the record.
Sources with knowledge of the situation not authorised to speak publicly confirmed the Roosters had flatly rejected a similar proposal when Johnston loomed as an outside chance to break the record in the last-round fixture between the sides last year.
They said the Roosters had wanted to publicly acknowledge their own departing players after that match, but suggested the Rabbitohs and NRL could hold their own presentation for Johnston “in one corner of the ground in front of the Souths fans”.
Souths were unimpressed with the Roosters’ offer, with club chief executive Blake Solly accusing their old foes of being “petty” in an interview with News Corp.
What is not as well known, according to the same sources, was that Solly’s “petty” comment prompted the Roosters to write to Souths demanding a public apology.
Other clubs hosting Souths in the closing rounds last season were briefed by the NRL, and all except the Roosters agreed to let them hold a celebration if Johnston broke the record.
Souths were quietly impressed when they learned the Roosters had since changed their stance.
Latrell Mitchell takes part in Tuesday’s light session at Heffron Park.Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong
Johnston scored one try in Sunday’s 40-30 win over the Dolphins, taking him within one more of equalling Irvine’s mark, and has previously spoken about his wish to see thousands of fans storm the pitch when the special moment arrives.
The wild scenes when Sydney Swans supporters flooded the Sydney Cricket Ground to celebrate Lance Franklin’s 1000th goal are considered one of the most iconic AFL moments of the modern era.
But Bennett said he wanted to see any party delayed until full-time.
“Let’s not encourage it,” he said. “Let’s make sure it doesn’t happen, and be respectful for the game, him and all the guys who play the game.”
South Sydney captain Cam Murray echoed Bennett’s words on Tuesday. “It’s probably not appropriate for people to run on,” he said. “It’s a moment and milestone that will last forever, but the milestone is big enough in itself – you don’t need people to run on to the field to make it any more special than it already is.”
Despite the Roosters’ gesture, at least one Souths player had no time for the cross-town rivals.
Bronson Garlick, who is the son of Souths legend Sean Garlick, will play in his first NRL derby, and said he was glad he was too young to remember watching the four seasons his dad crossed to the “dark side” with the Bondi club.
“I’m glad I was only being born at the time dad played at the Roosters – I’m thankful I have no memories of that whatsoever,” Garlick said.
“When you grow up a young Souths fan, all you want is that win over the Roosters, and you’re taught to hate them from a young age. It’s a bit different now I’m playing against them. I don’t need any extra motivation to play against them. They are such a quality side.
“But I know the fans love seeing Souths beat the Roosters. In fact, they love seeing any team beat the Roosters.”
Former Souths forward Angus Crichton will run out for the Roosters in his 200th NRL game, while David Fifita, who backflipped on the Roosters to stay on the Gold Coast only to later sign with Souths, will also get his first taste of the historic battle.
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