Thousands of NRL fans, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, have invaded the field after South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston became the game’s all-time leading try-scorer.
Johnston required one four pointer to equal Ken Irvine’s 212-try record when South took on bitter arch-rivals Sydney Roosters at a sold-out Allianz Stadium on Friday night.
The 31-year-old equalled the long-standing record in the first half before he entered the history books moments after half-time when centre Latrell Mitchell put him over for his 213th career try.
As Johnston was swamped by his teammates, thousands of fans from both clubs ran onto the field, despite prior warnings that they risked a $5,500 fine if they breached the field of play.
They included lifelong Rabbitohs tragic Albanese, who was spotted high-fiving fans as he walked across the field.
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.
The stadium big screen displayed warnings against entering the field, sparking boos around the ground.
Thousand of NRL fans invaded Allianz Stadium after Alex Johnston broke the try-scoring record
Souths winger Alex Johnston created NRL history when he scored his 213th career try on Friday night
Lifelong Rabbitohs tragic Anthony Albanese was among those who invaded the field
Players left the ground as security spent 10 minutes to clearing the field for play to resume.
Irvine’s try-scoring record lasted 53 years.
The Roosters went on to win the game 26-18 to post their first win of the season – and Souths’ first loss.
‘I don’t know how to feel – it’s still sinking in,’ Johnston told Channel Nine post-match.
‘I was trying not to cry when we ran back onto the field.’
The wild scenes come almost four years after AFL supporters memorably stormed the pitch at the nearby SCG when Sydney Swans key forward Lance Franklin became only the sixth player to kick 1000 career goals.
On that occasion, the game against Geelong was delayed by more than half an hour so players and fans could return to their positions.
More to come.
