South Sydney Rabbitohs fans have launched a passionate online campaign pleading with authorities to let them storm the field in celebration if club legend Alex Johnston breaks the NRL‘s all-time try-scoring record.
The viral petition on Change.org is calling for ‘safe and respectful’ fan access to the pitch, echoing scenes from Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin’s famous 1000th AFL goal moment in 2022.
Johnston moved within touching distance of the historic milestone on Saturday night, scoring four tries in a 25-24 golden-point loss to Melbourne.
Three of those came via sharp assists from Latrell Mitchell, while the fourth was a brilliant intercept effort. The 29-year-old winger now has 206 tries in 234 career matches.
The record he is chasing belongs to Ken Irvine, the legendary winger for North Sydney and Manly, who crossed 212 times before retiring in 1973.
That mark has stood unchallenged for more than 50 years. Johnston is now just six tries away from matching Irvine and seven from surpassing him.
Fans are calling for permission to celebrate Alex Johnston’s record-breaking try by invading the field
The online petition is gaining momentum as supporters push for a historic moment in rugby league celebration as Johnston closes in on Ken Irvine’s (pictured) long-standing record
Supporters believe the milestone would be one of the most memorable moments in NRL history (Johnston is pictured with wife Taryn)
‘AJ holds a special place in the heart of thousands of South Sydney Rabbitohs fans,’ the fan petition states.
‘A Rabbitohs junior, a 2014 premiership winner, a three-time Ken Irvine Medallist, and a Dally M Winger of the Year – but most of all, an incredible bloke.’
Johnston, who almost left the club in 2020 after being told he was no longer required, has become one of the sport’s most humble and consistent stars.
That same year, fans rallied to keep him at the club with an online petition that drew significant support.
Supporters now hope lightning will strike twice, this time calling for coordination between the NRL, club officials and police to allow fans to safely enter the field in the event Johnston breaks the record.
The proposal points to the Buddy Franklin moment at the SCG as proof such celebrations can be handled in an organised way.
Former premiership-winning NRL halfback Chad Townsend publicly backed the campaign on his podcast.
‘Souths fans, when your guy Alex Johnston breaks the record, I’m giving you permission to run on the field,’ he joked.
AFL fans were allowed to flood the SCG when Lance ‘Buddy Franklin’ kicked his 1000th goal
NRL fans want to be able to share the moment with Johnston like AFL fans got to with Buddy
‘Get him up on your shoulders and celebrate this. I don’t know if we’ll ever see it broken in our lifetime again.’
Johnston himself has admitted the milestone now feels within reach.
‘If you told me a few weeks ago, I would have told you I was still a fair bit away,’ he said.
‘But I’ve scored a few tries in the past few games and I’m getting close now. I’ll try my best to get it this year.’
He also acknowledged the tough times he’s faced and credited his family for helping him through.
‘I was probably not in the best place for a good while there,’ he said. ‘But I’ve got a pretty good rock at home, my family are always there for me.’
Entering the field during an NRL match currently carries steep penalties in New South Wales, including a $5500 fine and a 12-month venue ban.
Repeat offenders risk lifetime bans, and more serious offences can attract jail time.
Johnston scored three tries against the Melbourne Storm to edge closer to Irvine’s record
Despite this, fans remain hopeful a special exemption can be made for a one-off moment of history.
‘Let’s make this moment something rugby league never forgets,’ the petition continues.
‘We believe an organised field surge can be achieved with the right planning and guidelines in place.’
Johnston, who is off-contract at season’s end, said breaking the record and securing a new deal would be a fitting way to continue his career.
‘Once I finish this season … signing a new contract will be nice, getting that record will be nice, and then I don’t know,’ he said.
‘Another four more years would be nice.’
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