JOHNSON EXTENDS RABBITOHS CONTRACT; SET TO BREAK TRY-SCORING RECORD

Source: FoxLeague

ALEX Johnston is set to break Ken Irvine’s record as a Rabbitohs player after inking a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until the end of 2027.

FoxLeague reports that, Johnston has scored 207 tries in 237 NRL games and needs just six to break Irvine’s record mark of 212.

“The South Sydney Rabbitohs are delighted to announce the contract extension of the club’s greatest try scorer, Alex Johnston, for the 2026 and 2027 seasons today,” the club said in a statement.

Rabbitohs Head of Recruitment and Retention, Mark Ellison, says the club is excited to see Johnston continue his tenure with the club.

“Alex is the greatest try scorer our club has seen and is on track to become the greatest try scorer in the sport’s history in this country,” Mr Ellison said.

Johnston, 30, has played 237 NRL games since making his debut for the Rabbitohs against the Broncos on ANZAC Day in round eight, 2014. Johnston has scored a record 207 tries for the Rabbitohs, has played ten Test matches for Papua New Guinea and one Test for Australia, as well as four games for the Indigenous All Stars.

“He is a South Sydney junior from the La Perouse Panthers club, he is an inspiration to so many young footballers from our district, across the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community as well as the people of Papua New Guinea,” Mr Ellison said.

“He is a doting dad to Sonny and Avery with the support of his partner Taryn, and we’re delighted that they will all be remaining as Rabbitohs for the next two seasons.”

Johnston was delighted to be remaining a Rabbitoh.

“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.

“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.”