Johnston’s One-Club Dream: A Doubtful Farewell?

The rugby league world is abuzz with the possibility of a fairytale ending for South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston, with Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) top rugby league officials expressing keen interest in securing him as a marquee player for the newly formed PNG Chiefs. This potential move comes as Johnston has etched his name in the history books, shattering Ken Irvine’s long-standing record for the most tries scored in Australian rugby league.

Johnston’s remarkable achievement saw him cross the try line twice in a recent match against the Sydney Roosters, surpassing Irvine’s previous record of 212 tries, a feat that had stood for an incredible 53 years. While Johnston is currently under contract with the Rabbitohs for another season, a unique clause in his deal opens the door for discussions with PNG.

A Special Clause and a Grand Opportunity

This masthead previously revealed that a special provision exists within Johnston’s contract, allowing him to enter negotiations with PNG at any point he chooses, bypassing the usual restrictions that would typically prevent such discussions until November 1st of the current year.

In pursuit of clarity regarding this unusual clause and to explore the prospect of Johnston joining the Chiefs, PNG’s General Manager of Football, Michael Chammas, recently engaged in discussions with South Sydney’s Chief Executive, Blake Solly.

“We’ve spoken to South Sydney and Alex’s management to better understand where things sit with his contract beyond 2027,” Chammas stated. He further elaborated on the shared sentiment that a move to the Chiefs would be a fitting culmination to Johnston’s illustrious career. “Everyone agrees that it would be fantastic for Alex to finish his career by representing his Papua New Guinean heritage at the Chiefs.”

PNG Chiefs’ Strategic Approach

Chammas outlined the PNG Chiefs’ immediate priorities, with the appointment of a new head coach taking precedence. “Our priority at the moment is to appoint a coach. Once we are in a position to start making decisions about our roster for 2028 and beyond, we will reconvene with AJ and South Sydney to have a discussion about what the future may look like.”

South Sydney’s Support for Johnston’s Ambitions

South Sydney’s CEO, Blake Solly, expressed the club’s understanding and support for Johnston’s potential aspirations to play for PNG. “Alex still has at least another season with us after this. I’m sure he is intent on scoring plenty more tries in our colours and winning another premiership,” Solly commented.

He acknowledged Johnston’s deep connection to his heritage and his iconic status in PNG. “Alex also has an opportunity in PNG. He has captained the national team and is an icon over there. If he wants to be part of something special and join the Chiefs for their inaugural seasons, he has more than earned that right. That’s a decision for Alex, his family and management.”

Solly reiterated the club’s stance: “Whatever decision he makes, after last night his place in the history of Australian rugby league and the Rabbitohs is assured. Alex deserves every accolade that comes his way this week.”

A Natural Target for the Chiefs

Given his strong PNG heritage, his record-breaking achievements, and his beloved status in the Pacific nation, Alex Johnston is a natural and highly sought-after target for the PNG Chiefs. However, the club is adopting a strategic approach, preferring to finalise their coaching appointment before entering into formal negotiations with potential players for their inaugural seasons. This coaching decision is anticipated in the coming weeks, with the NRL holding the ultimate authority on the selection of the Chiefs’ first head coach.

Johnston himself, reflecting on the recent match and the speculation surrounding his future, expressed his desire to continue playing for as long as possible. “These are conversations that I need to have with Souths and with PNG, and that’s probably something that’s going to happen in the future,” he said. “I just want to keep playing as long as I can. I’ve got another season at Souths and hopefully can keep playing on after that.”

Crowd Incursions and Media Frenzy

The record-breaking match also saw a significant crowd event, with thousands of fans defying warnings from the NRL and Allianz Stadium management by entering the field of play. Despite the risk of arrest, fines, and venue bans, a substantial number of spectators, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, joined the pitch. Notably, the NRL and Venues NSW have indicated they will not be pursuing prosecution against the fans who entered the field. Police did, however, make two arrests during the evening.

A NSW Police spokesperson reported that approximately 2000 patrons entered the field of play during the match. One 39-year-old man was arrested for allegedly assaulting a security guard and faces charges of common assault and entering the field of play. Another 45-year-old man was arrested for entering the field of play. Both individuals were issued banning notices and will appear in court at a later date.

Record-Breaking Viewership

The Roosters-Rabbitohs clash proved to be a ratings success, significantly boosting television viewership. Combined viewership for Nine and Fox experienced a 13 per cent increase compared to a similar fixture last year. The match drew 1,265,000 viewers on Friday night, dwarfing the 634,000 average viewers who tuned into the Matildas-North Korea game and the 567,000 average viewers for the Hawthorn-Essendon AFL match. This surge in NRL viewership continues a positive trend observed since the league began hosting season-opening games in Las Vegas.

“Johnston-mania” and Commemorative Merchandise

The Rabbitohs are capitalising on the excitement surrounding Johnston’s record, with a range of merchandise, including commemorative T-shirts priced at $50, experiencing strong sales since his historic achievement.

ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys lauded Johnston’s record-breaking feat, highlighting his character. “It was a very proud moment for the game, and in particular for Alex,” V’landys stated. “For me, to see it go to a guy of his character, such a lovely human being, made it all the more special. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer bloke.”