Alex Johnston Two Tries Away From NRL History – Four Pointer News Summary:

-    Alex Johnston sits just two tries away from breaking Ken Irvine's all-time NRL try-scoring record of 212 tries, a mark that has stood since 1969.

-    The South Sydney Rabbitohs winger could make history as early as Friday night's clash against the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium.

-    Debate continues over potential pitch invasions to celebrate the moment, with Johnston supporting fan celebrations while officials cite safety concerns.

-    This try-scoring record has changed hands only once in 102 years, making this a generational moment in rugby league history.

A Record 57 Years in the Making

The significance of Johnston's achievement cannot be overstated. When Ken Irvine first claimed the try-scoring record in 1969, surpassing Harold Horder's total of 152, the rugby league landscape looked entirely different.

Irvine's mark has weathered the transition from the NSWRFL to the NRL, survived Super League, and outlasted countless talented wingers who threatened but never quite reached his lofty standard.

This longevity makes Johnston's impending achievement extraordinary. Unlike point-scoring records that have fallen five times since 2000, or appearance records broken twice in 15 years, the try-scoring crown represents rugby league's most enduring individual milestone.

The Path to Glory

Johnston's journey to this historic moment required perfect timing and circumstances.

His prolific four-year period from 2020-2023 proved crucial, where he scored 105 tries in 92 games during the NRL's high-scoring era.

Back-to-back 30-try seasons in 2021 and 2022 capitalised on rule changes that inflated attacking statistics, giving Johnston the platform needed to challenge Irvine's seemingly untouchable record.

The Rabbitohs star's consistency from his 2014 debut has been remarkable. Starting as a 19-year-old rookie, Johnston avoided the pitfalls that derailed other potential record-breakers - injury setbacks, positional changes, or club transfers that might have disrupted his scoring rhythm.

Celebration Controversy

As Johnston approaches his historic moment, likely against the Roosters on Friday night, debate rages over appropriate celebrations.

The winger himself welcomes potential pitch invasions, drawing comparisons to Lance Franklin's 1,000th AFL goal celebration.

However, coach Wayne Bennett, NRL officials, and stadium management oppose fan incursions, citing safety concerns and additional security measures.

The NRL plans a post-match presentation when the record falls, while South Sydney already accepts pre-orders for commemorative merchandise, highlighting the commercial and emotional significance of this achievement.

Future Challengers Face Steep Climb

Johnston's record may prove as durable as Irvine's original mark. Current active players face significant obstacles in mounting a challenge.

Daniel Tupou leads active try-scorers behind Johnston with 183, but at 34, time works against the Roosters veteran.

Josh Addo-Carr trails further at 159 tries, despite being two months younger than Johnston.

Emerging talents like Dominic Young, Xavier Coates, and Alofiana Khan-Pereira represent long-term threats, but they're barely one-third toward Johnston's current tally. The mathematical reality suggests Johnston could hold this record for decades, potentially establishing a new benchmark that defines rugby league excellence for another generation.

When Johnston crosses for his 213th try, he'll join rugby league's most exclusive club - those who've rewritten the sport's record books in ways that echo through decades.