How Alex Johnston Became the NRL’s Try-Scoring Sensation
You know, it’s funny how life works sometimes. Alex Johnston, now on the verge of rewriting rugby league history, didn’t just appear out of nowhere. Before he became a try-scoring phenomenon for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, he first became Greg Inglis. Yes, that’s right—the superstar he would one day be compared to, he first got to know as his idol.
When Johnston was promoted to the Rabbitohs’ top squad, he was given the locker right next to Greg Inglis. Imagine being a shy young player, suddenly standing beside your childhood hero. Alex even had to remind Inglis that they had met before, back in 2008, when he played the young version of ‘GI’ in an NRL ad campaign. Inglis laughs remembering it: a timid kid introducing himself, and then casually dropping, “Oh, I did the NRL ad with you.” Inglis said he felt old in that moment, but little did anyone know that same young boy would go on to make history.
Also Read:That ad campaign was meant to show dreams turning into reality. The NRL picked a local, skinny, shirtless kid from Melbourne—Alex Johnston—to portray a youthful version of Inglis. Years later, that same kid made his NRL debut in 2014, starting a journey that would see him become one of the most prolific try-scorers in history. His locker still sat next to Inglis’, creating a full-circle moment that nobody could have predicted back in 2008.
Fast forward to today, and Johnston is just three tries away from breaking Ken Irvine’s all-time record of 212 tries—a record that has stood for decades. This milestone could come in a high-stakes clash against arch rivals, the Roosters, adding even more drama to an already intense season for the Rabbitohs. Despite injuries and a rough year for the team, Johnston’s determination has kept the fans excited and hopeful.
Of course, Johnston’s success isn’t just his own. His tries have often been set up by teammates like Cody Walker, Latrell Mitchell, and John Sutton, while Inglis himself has been part of some unforgettable moments. One of the most iconic plays was a 109-metre try in 2015, where Inglis, seemingly trapped near the dead-ball line, powered back into play and passed to Johnston, who sprinted to score. Moments like these cement the bond and legacy shared between the two stars.
Off the field, Johnston is just as impressive. He’s grounded, respectful, and has had no off-field incidents. He’s also the captain of the PNG national team and is even able to negotiate with the new PNG franchise thanks to a clause in his contract. But what really stands out is his dedication—his homework, anticipation, and relentless work ethic, all of which have helped him overcome setbacks and injuries to reach this historic point in his career.
As Inglis said, watching Johnston approach the try-scoring record is witnessing greatness in real time—a piece of rugby league history unfolding right before our eyes. From a shy kid in an ad campaign to one of the most feared wingers in the NRL, Alex Johnston’s story is nothing short of remarkable.
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