'Cool to be No.1': AJ leaves door open for new PNG team
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Alex Johnston, the player destined to become the game's greatest tryscorer, may also claim another piece of history after leaving the door open to become the first signing for the new PNG NRL team.
Johnston, who needs five more tries to equal the record of 212 premiership tries held by Ken Irvine since 1972, re-signed with South Sydney on Tuesday for a further two seasons.
However, the deal clears the way for the Kumuls star to join the new Papua New Guinea team entering the NRL in 2028 - a move he is very much open to.
"It would be pretty cool to be player No.1," Johnston told during a visit to Papua New Guinea earlier this month.
"With my connection to the country, if there is an offer on the table, of course, I would consider it."
With his grandmother Mary born in Papua New Guinea, Johnston has committed his allegiances to the Kumuls at international level since 2019.
The 30-year-old has played 10 Tests at fullback or wing for Papua New Guinea and is eyeing a second World Cup in 2026.
Johnston's decision to represent his heritage has made him a superstar in Papua New Guinea and he regularly visits the country for coaching clinics and promotions in his role as an ambassador for Lae Biscuit Company.
Aware of his standing in the game and particularly in PNG, Johnston also wants to be a role model for the young talent who will become the future of the new franchise.
"I would love to run out with the boys at the next World Cup and try to go further than any Kumuls team have gone before," Johnston said.
My motivation has always been to win competitions. Now it's also to create a legacy, and play for my family proud and make them proud.
"And I want to encourage those young kids playing rugby league to dream big."
A member of South Sydney's 2014 premiership winning team, Johnston has played 237 NRL games for the club.
Alex Johnston gets a hat-trick and his 200th try!
A proud Koedal Klan Saibai man, he has also represented his Indigenous heritage in four All Stars games and played one Test for Australia in 2015.
“I couldn’t be happier to be staying at the club for another two years,” Johnston said.
“Despite the recent results, I know we have a strong club here with quality players, coaches and staff, and I want to be part of returning us to the top of the ladder.
“I’ve enjoyed premiership success here before and I’m really focussed on doing that again here for South Sydney.
"I also want to break the try scoring record at the Rabbitohs and achievements like that come from the efforts and performances of my team mates as much as me. We’re all in this together."
Johnston has been awarded the Ken Irvine Medal on three occasions as the NRL’s top try scorer of the season, was named the Dally M Winger of the Year in 2022 and crowned the Rabbitohs’ John Sattler Rookie of the Year in 2014.
Rabbitohs head of recruitment and retention, Mark Ellison, said the club was excited to see Johnston remain at South Sydney.
“Alex is the greatest try scorer our club has seen and is on track to become the greatest try scorer in the sport’s history in this country,” Ellison said.
Alex Johnston scores 4 and inches closer to the record
“He is a smart footballer who knows how to finish off a try scoring movement and how to use his body to put himself in the best position to get over the line.
“He is a South Sydney junior from the La Perouse Panthers club, he is an inspiration to so many young footballers from our district, across the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community as well as the people of Papua New
Guinea.
“He is a doting dad to Sonny and Avery with the support of his partner Taryn, and we’re delighted that they will all be remaining as Rabbitohs for the next two seasons.”
