LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy

209 and counting: Tracking AJ's path to Irvine's magic mark

With three games remaining, Alex Johnston needs three tries to equal Ken Irvine's record and four to surpass him.

This is the current status as South Sydney's standout player, Johnston, approaches one of the most significant records in rugby league history.

The 30-year-old has the opportunity this weekend to match Irvine's tally by replicating his best performance against the Eels-three tries in Round 12, 2021, when the Rabbitohs triumphed 38-20.

Throughout his career, Johnston has faced the Eels in 15 matches, scoring a total of 18 tries. In Round 24 games, he has an impressive record of 12 tries over nine matches.

Alternatively, Johnston could create history in Round 25 at Accor Stadium, where he has an impressive strike rate of 95 tries in 97 games, highlighting his performance with two instances of five tries against the Panthers in 2017 and the Roosters in 2020.

Additionally, Johnston has recorded nine tries in 14 outings against the Dragons, including a top performance of three tries in Round 12, 2020, at Jubilee Stadium.

The Rabbitohs will have a break in Round 26 before concluding their season at Allianz Stadium against their traditional rivals, the Roosters, in Round 27.