Record within reach

PAPUA New Guinea international Alex Johnston doesn’t want to look too far ahead and start daydreaming about toppling rugby league’s seemingly untouchable record —Ken Irvine’s long-standing mark of 212 tries.
But the South Sydney Rabbitohs winger should because he appears to be the only player in the game with a serious chance of doing so.
Johnston’s five-try haul against the Roosters in round 20 and two-try effort against the Knights in week one of the finals moved him to 105 career tries in just 143 games and helped clinch his first Ken Irvine Medal as the competition’s leading try-scorer.
Johnston is just 25 years of age and could play well into his 30s.
Should he continue scoring tries at his current rate, he could be the player to challenge Irvine’s remarkable tally, which hasn’t been threatened in more than 40 years.
Billy Slater crossed for 190 tries in his decorated career and is second on the all-time list, but no current player is within 60 of the almost mythical figure.
To think Johnston was deemed not good enough to start for Souths at the beginning of the year. And good luck to Souths coach Wayne Bennett picking his back line next season when Latrell Mitchell, James Roberts and Braidon Burns all return from injury to compete with Campbell Graham, Dane Gagai, Corey Allan and Steven Marsters for five spots.
While the potential for greatness looms on the horizon, Johnston is trying to keep his focus on the here and now, and helping Souths win their semifinal against Penrith on Saturday.
“Making little goals each year is the way to go,” he said.
“Getting to 212 tries by the end of my career would be awesome.
“But I can’t really say I’ll think that far ahead.
“A lot of good things would need to go my way to get there.
“My only goal at the start of the year was to reach 100 tries for Souths. And I knew if I was playing well and scoring tries, then it would help me get back into the starting side and hopefully land me a new contract.
“It has all worked out.
“Hopefully, I can get to (former winger) Nathan Merritt’s (South Sydney) record (of 154 tries).
“That would be a great milestone.
“Obviously, the team goals are to win grand finals.
“Individually, I’d like to be one of the top try-scorers again, and that would put me up around the 20 tries each year if I’m aiming to be No.1.” – SMH