Johnston breaks NRL try-scoring record, fans rush field

Jasper Bruce |

All eyes were on Alex Johnston during South Sydney’s NRL clash with the Sydney Roosters.
All eyes were on Alex Johnston during South Sydney’s NRL clash with the Sydney Roosters.

Thousands of fans have stormed onto the field at Allianz Stadium to celebrate South Sydney veteran Alex Johnston breaking the NRL’s try-scoring record.

The 31-year-old winger entered the history books when Latrell Mitchell put him over for his 213th career try, and his second in Friday night’s clash against bitter rivals the Sydney Roosters.

Johnston had earlier grabbed a Latrell Mitchell flick pass to score his first try of the night and equal Ken Irvine’s mark of 212, which the legendary winger set in 1973.

Security presence was increased for the round-two clash after Souths players and coach Wayne Bennett had this week urged supporters not to invade the pitch.

But fans were undeterred by the prospect of $5,500 fines, having booed earlier in the game when the big screen displayed warnings against entering the field.

AAP