Why Alex Johnston may not end his career as a one-club man

4 hours ago 1

Papua New Guinea powerbrokers have reached out to South Sydney about the prospect of Alex Johnston becoming a marquee signing for the Chiefs, declaring it would be a “fantastic” way for the record-breaking winger to finish his storied career.

Johnston scored two tries for South Sydney in Friday night’s loss to the Roosters to break Ken Irvine’s record of 212 tries, which had stood for 53 years. The Rabbitohs winger last year signed a two-year contract extension with the Rabbitohs that would normally preclude other clubs from negotiating with him until November 1 this year.

However, this masthead revealed last August that there is a secret clause in Johnston’s contract that allows him to negotiate with PNG at any time of his choosing.

Seeking clarity on the unusual clause, PNG’s general manager of football Michael Chammas last week spoke to Souths chief executive Blake Solly about Johnston’s future.

“We’ve spoken to South Sydney and Alex’s management to better understand where things sit with his contract beyond 2027,” Chammas said.

“Everyone agrees that it would be fantastic for Alex to finish his career by representing his Papua New Guinean heritage at the Chiefs.

Alex Johnston of the Rabbitohs celebrates being the highest try scorer in the NRL with 213 tries.

“Our priority at the moment is to appoint a coach. Once we are in a position to start making decisions about our roster for 2028 and beyond, we will reconvene with AJ and South Sydney to have a discussion about what the future may look like.”

Solly said the Rabbitohs wouldn’t stand in Johnston’s way should an opportunity in PNG present itself.

“Alex still has at least another season with us after this. I’m sure he is intent on scoring plenty more tries in our colours and winning another premiership,” Solly said.

“Alex also has an opportunity in PNG. He has captained the national team and is an icon over there. If he wants to be part of something special and join the Chiefs for their inaugural seasons, he has more than earned that right. That’s a decision for Alex, his family and management.

“Everyone agrees that it would be fantastic for Alex to finish his career by representing his Papua New Guinean heritage at the Chiefs.”

PNG Chiefs general manager Michael Chammas

“Whatever decision he makes, after last night his place in the history of Australian rugby league and the Rabbitohs is assured. Alex deserves every accolade that comes his way this week.”

Given his PNG heritage, his history-making feats and his cult-hero status in the Pacific nation, Johnston is an obvious target for the Chiefs. However, the club doesn’t want to enter into any negotiations with prospective players until a head coach is appointed. That move could be just weeks away, with the NRL to have final say on the club’s first clipboard holder.

“These are conversations that I need to have with Souths and with PNG, and that’s probably something that’s going to happen in the future,” Johnston said after the match.

“I just want to keep playing as long as I can. I’ve got another season at Souths and hopefully can keep playing on after that.”

The NRL and Allianz Stadium management warned punters they risked arrest, a fine and a venue ban if they stormed the pitch. However, several thousand – including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese – defied the edict. The NRL and Venues NSW won’t be prosecuting the fans who stepped onto the field. Two fans were arrested at Friday night’s match, police said.

“Just after 9pm [Friday 13 March 2026], approximately 2000 patrons entered the field of play during an NRL match at Allianz Stadium,” a NSW Police spokesperson said.

“During this, a 39-year-old man was arrested after allegedly assaulting a security guard on the field. He was issued a Court Attendance Notice for the offences of common assault and enter field of play.

“In consultation with security and Venues NSW, police assisted in the clearing of the crowd to ensure public safety.

“Earlier in the game, a 45-year-old man was arrested after running onto the field. He was issued a Court Attendance Notice for the offence of enter field of play. Both men were issued banning notices and will appear before court on a later date.”

The match was a television ratings bonanza. Nine (15.8 per cent increase) and Fox (8.9 per cent) viewership numbers were up a combined 13 per cent on the same fixture (Panthers versus Roosters) last year.

The Roosters-Rabbitohs match drew 1,265,000 viewers on Friday, as compared to the 634,000 average viewers who watched the Matildas-North Korea game on Ten. The Hawthorn-Essendon AFL match at the same time on Seven generated 567,000 average viewers. It continues an upward trend in NRL viewership since the NRL began taking season-openers to Las Vegas.

The Rabbitohs are already cashing in on “Johnson-mania”, with a range of merchandise – including $50 commemorative T-shirts – proving popular since he broke the record.

“It was a very proud moment for the game, and in particular for Alex,” ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said. “For me, to see it go to a guy of his character, such a lovely human being, made it all the more special. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer bloke.”