Rabbitohs gun Alex Johnston continues to near Ken Irvine’s unbelievable try scoring record after the winger claimed a double in his side’s win over the Warriors.
In wet conditions, South Sydney overcame a 6-0 penalty count inside the first half to finish 28-6 winners.
Johnston now sits on 180 tries, equal third with Manly legend Steve Menzies on the all-time try scorers list.
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Johnston’s double was his 50th first grade game with multiple tries, equalling Irvine.
Overall, Irvine finished his career with 212 tries to top the all-time list. Billy Slater is second with 190.
The Warriors started the game better, with Marcelo Montoya scoring in the 15th minute off a smart short side play from Wayde Egan.
Johnston had his first only seven minutes later, and from there the Rabbitohs rampage began.
Addin Fonua-Blake was controversially sent to the sin bin moments later after a high shot on Cameron Murray.
Enforcer in the bin
Before the incident, South Sydney had been penalised for a number of similar tackles with Warriors captain Tohu Harris taking exception to the decision.
”I’m comfortable with it as long as it stays like that for the second half,” NRL expert Shane Flanagan said on Fox League.
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“Addin Fonua-Blake and Tohu Harris asked the referee a question (that) South Sydney have given four head highs away already and no one was sent to the sin bin, obviously he’s classed this as direct, forceful contact to the head. That’s why he’s in the bin.”
After copping the shot, Murray went on to score just before half-time with his side leading 12-6 at the break.
NRL Highlights: Warriors v Rabbitohs – Round 18
In the second half, the Warriors struggled to gain any momentum with Johnston scoring his second, while debutant Tyrone Munro went over in the 66th minute for the Rabbitohs.
Munro was involved again close to full-time, kicking ahead 40 metres from the try line with Blake Taafe running past the Warriors to score.
Along with Fonua-Blake, Rabbitohs winger Taane Milne was also put on report late in the game for high contact.
Next Saturday, the Rabbitohs will play the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium while the Warriors travel to CommBank Stadium to face the Eels.
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