AJ’s milestone a Kumul milestone

The name "Alex Johnston" is now inked in the rugby league history books as the leading try scorer of all time in the NRL, after surpassing the 53-year long standing record held by the legendary Ken Irvine.

The 31-year old Souths Sydney winger, now has 213 tries under his name with years still left in him to add on.

Speaking in the post match press conference after accomplishing this memorable feat, the Kumul player # 294 said he will celebrate this milestone with Papua New Guineans when he touches down on PNG soil later this year.

"PNG, I'm going to go over, I'm pretty sure a couple times this year, and I'll celebrate with them there, and I'm pretty sure the scenes will be similar, " Johnston responded reflecting on how his try was celebrated with the unusual crowd invasion despite NRL's notice against it.

NRL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Abdo commended Johnston for the milestone and presented him the ball he used to score that monumental try.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also witnessed that historical moment and described Johnston as a humble player fitting to hold such record.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape also joined in, adding that Johnston's feat comes at a significant time when PNG prepares to enter the NRL.

Rugby leagues' top Coach Wayne Bennett, apparently Johnston's current coach at South Sydney,l praised his winger, who is six games away from his 250th NRL game, another achievement not far off.

The impact of Johnston's milestone in rewriting rugby league history was felt largely in many corners across rural and urban Papua New Guinea, with his former PNG Kumul Coach, now East New Britain Governor Michael Marum sharing commendations.

"As former coach of PNG Kumuls, I want to acknowledge Alex for not only achieving this milestone but also for proudly representing Papua New Guinea," Marum said in a statement.

Since making his debut for the Kumuls in 2019, Johnston has made 12 appearances for the red black and gold, and was part of the Kumuls team that defeated the Great Britain Lions 28-10 at the Santos National Football Stadium in November 2019.

Following this attainment, Johnston is expected to don the Kumuls jersey later this year in the Rugby League World Cup in October.