In the 2026 season, Alex Johnston continued to make headlines by tying the record for the most tries in the NRL season, finishing with 30 tries. This achievement places him alongside Penrith's Tom Jenkins, as both players excelled in a competitive field.
Johnston's remarkable career includes breaking Ken Irvine's legendary record of 212 tries, a milestone set in 1973. As of March, Johnston reached 213 tries and currently stands at 240. Despite his accolades, he downplays the notion of having awards named after him. "Maybe not while I'm still playing," he mentioned, reflecting on a legacy that might be considered after his career.
As he continues playing, Johnston has signed with the Chiefs franchise, set to debut in 2028. His impressive record includes winning the Ken Irvine Medal for most tries in a season on four occasions, with previous wins in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
In a thrilling contest, Johnston was locked in a tight finish with Jenkins, with the duo leading the competition in tries. It was a back-and-forth battle that captivated fans, as they both aimed for the top spot, reflecting Johnston's competitive spirit: "I just wanted to do my job of scoring tries." The final statistic reflected his consistent scoring ability, highlighted by crucial tries in pivotal matches.
Johnston's scoring prowess has contributed significantly to South Sydney's success in recent years, including a grand final appearance in 2021 and semi-final matches in 2022. His commitment to the game assures fans and teammates that he will remain a formidable player in the seasons to come.