Alex Johnston – The Podium Of Greatness
Amidst the doom and gloom of the Rabbitohs Friday night defeat, one shining light emerged…Alex Johnston.
Johnston also known as ‘AJ’ is an NRL try scoring phenomenon. His try in the 5th minute of the game on Friday night took his career total to 181.
That incredible number of ‘four pointers’ is the 3rd most scored of all time. ‘AJ’ is in the bronze medal podium position of greatness with silver and gold well and truly within his reach.
Ken Irvine
The leader of the pack is Ken Irvine, his iconic 212 try mark has stood for 50 years. Irvine is in the NRL Hall of Fame (2008). This week George Piggins joined him there. Alex Johnston is undoubtedly headed there too.
Billy Slater
Billy Slater is one of the greatest rugby league players of the modern era. His 190 tries is a testament to his ability to win premierships for his team, the Melbourne Storm. Alex Johnston is 28 years old with, at the very least another 3 or 4 seasons left in his career. In that time he needs to score 10 more tries to overtake Billy. If he stays healthy, ‘AJ’ will do that this year or in 2024.
Once that happens, the race is on to pass 212. That number will be reached in 2024 or 2025 at the latest. Alex Johnston will become the greatest try scorer in NRL history. It is going to happen, lock it in.
A Flying Start
Alex Johnston scored a try against the Broncos in his NRL debut at Suncorp Stadium in 2014. ‘AJ’ then scored a double the next week against the Gold Coast. Not surprisingly he was at it again the following week, adding another double against the Storm. Ironically, Billy Slater also scored twice that day at the Olympic Stadium in Sydney.
A Dream Season
‘AJ’ made a sparkling debut for Souths in 2014. That year was ultimately a dream season for both Alex and long suffering South Sydney Rabbitohs fans.
Alex Johnston scored a try for the Rabbitohs in the 2014 NRL Grand Final win over the Bulldogs. A 43 year premiership drought finally ended. ‘Magic’ Johnston will forever be remembered for his role in making that dream come true.
A Stellar Career
Johnston has continued on his try scoring ways for the Rabbitohs and is now in his 10th season at the club. His huge try total has been helped along by playing outside a constant stream of star players like Sam Burgess, Greg Inglis, John Sutton and Adam Reynolds.
Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker are now providing Alex with quality football, ensuring that the tries will keep coming.
It is worth noting however that Alex Johnston is a great rugby league player regardless of the luxurious help on his inside. Plenty of his tries were unquestionably scored because he has the skills to make them happen. We only need to look at his latest try against the Broncos as an example of his ability to beat multiple defenders on his way to the tryline.
Alex Johnstons exploits on the football field are history in the making. Sit back and enjoy!
Alex Johnston – The Podium Of Greatness.
By Steve Mavin for Bunnies TV.
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