Johnston sacrifices K500,000

Rabbitohs re-sign PNG Kumuls flyer for next two NRL seasons

PAPUA New Guinea international Alex Johnston, pictured, has sacrificed about A$200,000 (K503,000) to remain at South Sydney with confirmation of a two-year extension yesterday.
The Rabbitohs junior was being pursued by National Rugby League (NRL) rivals, including Melbourne, as salary cap restrictions looked set to force him out of Redfern.
However, Johnston told ecstatic teammates yesterday morning that he would be staying at Souths after the 25-year-old winger and the club previously seemed resigned to part ways.
“It is certainly the most cheering and clapping I’ve heard for a long time in the change room,” Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett said.
“We all make sacrifices here. You can’t build a really good team and club without sacrifices.
“I’m sure a lot of other boys are in the same boat as well. We’re pleased to have him and that he can stay on.
“He’s a Souths junior and it’s important to the club to maintain that situation.”
Johnston has been in superb form for Souths this season with 14 tries — the second most in the competition behind Wests Tigers’ David Nofoaluma.
His prolific strike-rate made him the ideal replacement for Sydney-bound Josh Addo-Carr on Melbourne’s left edge with centre and fellow PNG international Justin Olam.
They will now be on the hunt for another suitable replacement given Addo-Carr will leave Melbourne at the end of the season for family reasons. It’s understood the Tigers have tabled a four-year deal for the New South Wales Blues winger, who is keen on playing fullback. – AAP