Alex Johnston Try Record at Roosters vs Souths Game Means Fans Must Stay Off Field

Alex Johnston is close to breaking the all-time try record. This is a huge moment because the Roosters and Souths are usually rivals but now have a truce.
By Newsroom | NRL, Sydney |

A looming try-scoring record for Alex Johnston of the South Sydney Rabbitohs is casting a peculiar shadow over the upcoming NRL match against the Sydney Roosters. Officials and coaches have issued public pleas to fans, urging them to refrain from storming the field should Johnston break the all-time record during the game. This anticipation for a historic moment appears to be fostering an unusual, albeit temporary, sense of accord between the fierce rivals.

The Roosters, who had previously rejected a similar request regarding Johnston's record last year, have reportedly softened their stance this time around. This shift in attitude is being framed as a significant concession, contributing to the narrative of an impending "truce" for this specific fixture.

The match also marks a personal milestone for Angus Crichton, who will play his 200th NRL game for the Roosters. Additionally, David Fifita, who notably changed his commitment from the Roosters to the Gold Coast and then signed with Souths, is set to make his debut in this derby.

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Background Noise: Player Movements and Past Encounters

While the focus is on Johnston's potential record, other player narratives are emerging. Lachlan Ilias, formerly of the Rabbitohs, is set to face his old club for the first time since joining the St George Illawarra Dragons. He reportedly made a lighthearted remark about wanting to "take his head off" his former teammate Cody Walker, though he also expressed gratitude for the Rabbitohs' transparency regarding his future. Ilias is slated to play against Lewis Dodd, the playmaker who has seemingly taken his place at Souths.

Past performances in this fixture also offer context, with discussions noting that the Rabbitohs have won only one regular season game at the venue in recent memory. The club's own coaching staff, led by Wayne Bennett, has been vocal in managing expectations around fan behaviour, particularly in light of Johnston's scoring prowess.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are officials asking fans not to storm the field during the Roosters vs Souths game?
Alex Johnston might break the all-time try-scoring record in this match. Officials want to keep everyone safe and prevent delays, so they are asking fans to stay in their seats if he scores.
Q: How have the Sydney Roosters changed their stance on Alex Johnston's try record?
Last year, the Roosters did not want to celebrate Johnston's record, but they have now changed their minds. This truce between the two rival teams makes the game more respectful for the historic moment.
Q: What special milestone is Angus Crichton reaching in the match against Souths?
Angus Crichton will play his 200th NRL game for the Sydney Roosters during this fixture. This is a major achievement for the player as he faces his team's biggest rivals.
Q: Why is David Fifita's appearance in the Roosters vs Souths game important?
David Fifita is making his debut for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in this derby. He previously planned to join the Roosters but changed his mind, which adds extra tension to the game.
Q: What did Lachlan Ilias say about playing against his old team the Rabbitohs?
Lachlan Ilias is now playing for the Dragons and will face his old club for the first time. He joked about being aggressive toward Cody Walker but also thanked the Rabbitohs for being honest about his future.