“Scenes that will last forever”.
That’s how Fox League’s Dan Ginnane described the mayhem that ensued at Allianz Stadium after Souths winger Alex Johnston broke the all-time NRL tryscoring record during his side’s 26-18 loss to the Roosters.
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Johnston won the night, but it would be the Roosters spoiling the party, running out eight-point winners.
The historic moment occurred not even a minute into the second half, when Johnston was put into the clear by Latrell Mitchell and galloped 40 metres to score.
The NRL repeatedly fired warnings to fans pre-game and during the game to not to storm the field if the record-breaking moment happened, but they fell on deaf ears as thousands of Rabbitohs and Roosters fans wanted to be apart of history.
It led to a delay of about 15 minutes before play resumed, with security and ground staff doing well to usher rowdy fans back into the stands.
Thousands ran onto the ground to celebrate the historic moment.Source: FOX SPORTSAlex Johnston being mobbed by the fans after his record-breaking try.Source: FOX SPORTS
“That is a tremendous moment. It leaves you speechless.” – Greg Alexander said on Fox League.
When play did get back underway, Mitchell cooly slotted the conversion to make it a 12-all game with 39 minutes on the clock.
After the dust settled, the rest of the contest was a bit of a grind, albeit entertaining with both teams running hard and laying on some big hits in defence.
An outstanding effort from last year’s top tryscorer Mark Nawaqanitawase broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute.
It was a lovely flick pass from Rob Toia but even so, the ex-Wallaby had a bit to do from ten metres out, winning the race to the try line and somehow putting it down before being tackled into touch as several Souths players descended.
A Sam Walker penalty goal put the Chooks up by eight, but the Rabbitohs made it a game when Campbell Graham scored with ten to play.
Mitchell nailed the conversion to trim the margin to two but after a willing final few minutes, James Tedesco’s 79th minute try put the icing on the cake.
For the Roosters, it’s their first win of the young season while the Bunnies drop to 1-1 after the loss.
BIG HITS
AJ’S MOMENT
Alex Johnston soaked it all in after the final siren and deservingly so. It was his moment.
The NRL held a brief ceremony post-game with Prime Minister and Souths superfan Anthony Albanese presenting Johnston with the game ball.
“I don’t know what to say, I’ll keep it short and sweet,” Johnston said.
“First and foremost to the fans, I just saw the footage of everyone running onto the field. Pretty special to be apart of that so thank you for making it a special evening.
“I can’t thank my kids, partner and teammates enough. I couldn’t have done it without you all.”
The knives were out for Daly Cherry-Evans after his Roosters debut ended in disaster across the ditch.
But the former Manly halfback reminded people that he’s far from a spent force as he danced his way through the defence to open the scoring.
Last week’s defensive issues look to have been fixed as the Roosters tightened things up, with star winger Daniel Tupou continuing his magnificent try-scoring record with a powerful solo effort.
It was their other winger who scored what would be the decisive try as Mark Nawaqanitawase came up with another special play in the right corner to somehow stay in and plant the ball to spoil the South Sydney party.
Skipper James Tedesco then pounced on a Cherry-Evans grubber in the final minute as things threatened to boil over.
– Martin Gabor (NCA Newswire)
SPECIAL TRIBUTE
It was an emotional night at Allianz Stadium with the victims of the horrific Bondi terror attack honoured before kick-off in front of a sold-out crowd.
“To see Allianz Stadium sold out tonight for our first home game of the season is a testament to one of the great traditions of our game,” Roosters chief executive Joe Kelly said.
“Our members and supporters consistently create an incredible atmosphere at Allianz Stadium, and we know tonight will be no different.”
The Roosters clearly aren’t keen on celebrating the milestone, with the words “visiting team” appearing where the Rabbitohs would normally be on the scoreboard.
– Martin Gabor (NCA Newswire)
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Roosters team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 4. Robert Toia 19. Junior Pauga 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Egan Butcher 14. Connor Watson 15. Blake Steep 16. Nat Butcher 17. Salesi Foketi 18. Cody Ramsey 21. Tom Rodwell 22. Taylor Losalu
Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Euan Aitken 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Tallis Duncan 16. Lachlan Hubner 17. Sean Keppie 18. Latrell Siegwalt 19. Moala Graham-Taufa 21. Thomas Fletcher