Anthony Albanese smiled his way through thousands of NRL fans on the field on Friday night after Alex Johnston made history and broke the game’s all-time try scoring record against the Sydney Roosters.
The Rabbitohs winger scored try 213 in front of a huge crowd that went on to storm the Allianz Stadium pitch.
No fines were given out despite numerous warnings, with two men arrested for clashing with security.
Johnston equalled the record in the first half which lifted excitement and anticipation for what could come next.
Minutes into the second half, he found some space and sprinted down the sideline, going on to slide over and score.
The floodgates opened as thousands stormed the field, with a Roosters fan ironically being the first to jump on top and celebrate with Souths players.
The Prime Minister didn’t seem too worried about the threat of a fine or ban, as he got amongst the action and proudly marched down the field with his scarf on, surrounded by security.
However, the sight of Mr Albanese being on the field wasn’t well received by some viewers.
AFL great Dane Swan wrote on X: “If our prime minister couldn’t get any cornier now, he is on the field after Johnston scored the record breaking try, he’s laugh out loud embarrassing. Scram.”
“Just how low can the Australian PM Albanese go? Alex Johnston breaks the all-time try scoring record in the NRL & our clown PM walks onto the field waving his scarf – not to congratulate Alex but to say look at me,” another added.
“No fine for being on the field?” a third questioned.
Throughout the game, a warning was displayed on the screen which read: “Do not enter the field of play. You will be arrested, charged, fined $5500 and banned for 24 months”.
The Australian leader then presented Johnston the match ball before taking to social media.
“History tonight as Alex Johnson became Rugby League’s greatest try scorer of all time,” Mr Albanese said.
Former NRL premiership winner Cooper Cronk said Johnston’s try-scoring moment will be remembered forever.
“This will be the greatest moment in our game’s history for a long period of time,” he said.
“The scenes are unbelievable. This will be replayed for years and years. Congratulations to Alex Johnston.”
Despite the jubilation for Souths fans, the Roosters went on to spoil the party, winning 26-18.