A New Zealand Warriors fan has described the “chaos” of storming the field when Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston broke the NRL’s all-time try-scoring record.
The Rabbitohs flyer scored twice in the 26-18 loss to the Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Friday, touching down for his 213th career try.
It sawJohnston surpass Ken Irvine’s record of 212 tries, which has stood since 1973.
Fans subsequently stormed the field, despite warnings of a $5500 fine and a ban from Allianz Stadium.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was one of the pitch invaders, clad in a red and green scarf. Albanese was on the South Sydney Rabbitohs board when they were ejected from the NRL following the 1999 season.
Warriors fan Joel Harrison joined the invasion and told The Big League Podcast he got close to the Rabbitohs players, who hoisted Johnston on their shoulders.
“I was probably about 10m away, which was pretty cool. I mean, I did feel a little bit bad because I’m not a die-hard Rabbitohs fan. There is actually a photo the Rabbitohs posted, and you can see me in the background wearing a Warriors jersey. The random Wahs fan at a Souths game.
“I got about a metre away from the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who’s a die-hard Rabbitohs fan. So I mean, if the Prime Minister of Australia is on the field, they’re not going to fine anyone, which is great for the game.”
Harrison decided to join the mob of fans as more people committed to the invasion, the first of whom was wearing a Roosters jersey.
“It wasn’t even a Rabbitohs fan who stormed the field first. I was just off the back of the field, and then everyone started running on. I got some great videos of it, and then I thought, why not? I feel like it would be a missed opportunity for me not to be on the field. And it was pandemonium.”
Threats of a $5500 fine and a two-year ban from Allianz Stadium did not stop fans from storming the field. Photo / Photosport
According to AAP, one man was arrested for assaulting a security guard during the chaos. Another man has been charged after attempting to rush onto the field after Johnston’s first try.
However, Harrison said most fans were good-natured.
“I feel like everyone, besides maybe one or two people, was well behaved. People just got on, had the moment, and then got straight back off. And I think it was 16 minutes before the play resumed.”
Pitch invasions used to be common when major wins and milestones were accomplished across a variety of sports.
Harrison said allowing pitch invasions at exceptional events could create more memories.
He pointed to fans storming the field in the AFL after Lance “Buddy” Franklin scored his 1000th goal in 2022 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
“It’s just an unbelievable watch, even if you’re not an Aussie Rules fan, seeing the pure passion and enjoyment of the fans on the field. But I reckon we should bring it back to a level where it’s just for special moments. If someone breaks a record or if someone gets a triple century in cricket or when Kane Williamson hits 10,000 runs, we should storm the field.”
Nathan Limm has been a journalist with Newstalk ZB and the NZ Herald since 2020. He covered the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023, hosts The Big League Podcast and commentates rugby and netball for Gold Sport.
