Bennett Urges Fans to Show Respect as Johnston Nears All-Time Try Scoring Record
The hunt for a new NRL try-scoring king is reaching fever pitch, with South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston standing on the precipice of history. With just two tries separating him from Ken Irvine’s seemingly untouchable record of 212, the atmosphere is electric as the Rabbitohs prepare to face their arch-rivals, the Sydney Roosters, this Friday at Allianz Stadium.
Johnston, who has been in scintillating form, notched up his 211th try in the Rabbitohs’ recent 40-30 victory over the Dolphins. The upcoming clash against the Roosters presents a tantalising opportunity for him to etch his name into the record books.
Adding an intriguing layer to the impending milestone, Johnston himself has playfully hinted at the appeal of a pitch invasion, suggesting it would be a “cool” moment for fans to celebrate with him. “It’s been on my mind,” Johnston admitted in a recent interview, expressing his eagerness to secure the record. “I’m stressing. I want to get this record over and done with… it’d be cool for everyone to run on, but you didn’t hear it from me, mate.”
However, this sentiment is met with a firm stance from Rabbitohs’ legendary coach, Wayne Bennett. The veteran mentor is urging supporters to resist the urge to storm the field, emphasizing the importance of respecting the game and its protocols. Fans who breach stadium rules by entering the field of play face a hefty fine of up to $5,500 and potential bans.
Bennett is adamant that the game should not be halted for a celebratory pitch invasion, even if it means a historic moment occurs. “No, I don’t,” Bennett stated unequivocally in his post-match press conference. “It’s not our game. I don’t accept that it will probably happen and I don’t accept that it should happen. It is respect for the game. That is the important thing here. We play for 80 minutes and you stay off the field regardless. I believe in that.”
Navigating Potential Pitfalls of a Historic Try
Beyond the coach’s admonitions, there are practical considerations that make a premature pitch invasion problematic. If Johnston scores a try, it could be sent to the NRL Bunker for review. Should the try be controversially overturned, fans who have already entered the field would face immediate removal, diminishing the celebratory atmosphere and potentially causing a chaotic scene.
Furthermore, the disruption caused by a mass pitch invasion can significantly impact the flow of the game. This is a lesson learned from the AFL, where Sydney Swans fans famously flooded the SCG when Lance “Buddy” Franklin reached his 1,000-goal mark in 2022. While that moment became an iconic image, the NRL has historically discouraged such occurrences due to the prolonged stoppage and potential disrespect to the opposing team.
Bennett highlighted these concerns, questioning the logistics and fairness of such an event. “How many are we going to allow on the field? Where is that going to stop? And how long before the game gets started again?” he pondered. “Let’s not encourage it. Let’s make sure it doesn’t happen and be respectful to the game, him and all the guys that play the game.”
NRL Greats Echo Call for Orderly Celebration
The sentiment for maintaining game integrity is shared by other prominent figures in the rugby league community. Penrith Panthers legend Greg Alexander expressed his strong opposition to fans entering the field during play. “Don’t run on the field, go on the field after the game. Let’s celebrate Alex Johnston post-game,” Alexander advised on SEN Radio.
Radio host Jimmy Smith echoed this sentiment, suggesting that while the NRL could orchestrate a post-match presentation to commemorate Johnston’s achievement, allowing fans onto the field during the game is simply not an option.
As Johnston stands on the brink of a monumental achievement, the focus remains on the upcoming match against the Roosters. The Roosters will undoubtedly be employing every tactic to deny Johnston the two tries he needs to break the record in their round two encounter, adding another layer of intensity to what is already a fiercely contested rivalry. The sporting world will be watching to see if Johnston can make history, and whether fans will heed the calls for a respectful celebration.
