Alex Johnston breaks NRL try-scoring record as Bunnies survive scare v Tigers

Jarred Cross Published July 28, 2023 at 6.30pm (AWST)

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Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnson scored three tries in South Sydney's 32-18 win over Wests Tigers in Tamworth. (Image: David Hossack/AAP via NRL Photos)

South Sydney winger and Sabai Island Torres Strait man Alex Johnson now holds the NRL record for most games with two or more tries after a three-try performance against Wests Tigers in Tamworth on Friday night.

The Bunnies set the tone early and put the finishing touches late in the 32-18 win in their rare trip to the regions.

Johnston already holds the Rabbitohs' all-time try scoring record (184) at just 28 years of age.

He passed Manly and North Sydney legend Ken Irvine's record for multiple four-pointers in a match when he crossed for his second mid-way through the first half.

It was the 51st time he achieved the feat across 209 first grade appearances.

Johnston also notched his 12th career hat trick, and proved the difference for the Bunnies after surviving a scare from the struggling Tigers following the main break.

Alex Johnston with a hat-trick 🎩 #NRLTigersSouths pic.twitter.com/HVD0eE3j2q

— NRL (@NRL) July 28, 2023

Souths entered the sheds 20-6 after 40 minutes before the Tigers scored twice to put the pressure back on.

A dominant performance from Cody Walker, Isaiah Tass, Johnston and returning star Latrell Mitchell on the Rabbitohs left side caused all kinds of trouble for the out-of-town hosts.

With the bulk of field possession attacking the line, the four linked up on multiple occasions with Wests failing to contain link-up play and allowed consistent line breaks while starved of the footy.

Despite some wobbles converting for goal, Mitchell ran for 169 metres - 48 post-contact, and made 11 tackles breaks to dictate much of his side's scoring.

It was a serious display in his first game since falling to a calf injury in the lead up to State of Origin 1 two months ago.

Johnston was the beneficiary of Mitchell's work at fullback to keep the Souths' finals hopes alive after a string of poor performances through the second half of the season.

After Friday's hat-trick, Johnston trails just Irvine (212) and Melbourne Storm legend Billy Slater (190) on the competition's all-time try-scoring list.

Johnson has represented Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Indigenous All Stars since his debut in 2014.