Rugby league legend Ken Irvine's seemingly unbreakable try-scoring record, which stood for over five decades, finally fell this week when South Sydney's Alex Johnston crossed for his 213th career try, a moment made even more remarkable by Irvine's own secret prediction years before his death.
A Historic Night at Allianz
Alex Johnston etched his name into the record books at Allianz Stadium, surpassing Ken Irvine's long-standing tally of 212 tries. The South Sydney winger needed two tries against the Sydney Roosters to claim the record. He drew level with Irvine in the 32nd minute of the game, sending a clear signal of the history about to unfold. Then, in the very first minute after half-time, Johnston completed his double, sparking pandemonium among the 40,000 supporters.
Thousands of fans, many wearing Rabbitohs colours, stormed the pitch to mob Johnston, a spontaneous celebration that defied the wishes of both Souths coach Wayne Bennett and the NRL. It was a scene etched into the memories of everyone present, proof of the magnitude of the achievement. Irvine's mark had stood untouched since 1973, a benchmark for wingers and try-scorers across generations. For over 50 years, his 212 tries represented the pinnacle of finishing ability in the game, proof of his speed and skill.
The Larrikin's Foresight
While many in rugby league believed Irvine's record would never be beaten, the man himself held a different view, one he kept secret for over 40 years. Ken Irvine, affectionately known as 'Mongo,' retired in 1973 as the game's leading try-scorer. After hanging up his boots, he transitioned into sports media, working alongside a young reporter, Tony Adams, for the now-defunct Daily Mirror. It was in the mid-1980s, after covering a game at the historic Redfern Oval, that Irvine shared his remarkable premonition.
The pair were about to head back to the office in Surry Hills when Irvine, a self-confessed larrikin who loved a good time, suggested a quick pint at the Souths League Club. Adams, then a cub reporter and an idolising schoolboy fan of Irvine, found it hard to refuse the legend's invitation, even though his head told him otherwise.
A Secret Kept for Decades
Inside the Souths League Club, as Irvine enjoyed his pint and Adams sipped an orange juice (being a teetotaller), their conversation drifted from family and footy to more personal matters, including Irvine's recent cancer diagnosis.
It was then that Adams, sensing a unique opportunity, posed the crucial question: "Your try record – do you think anyone will ever catch you?"
Without a moment's hesitation, Irvine replied with surprising clarity. "For sure," he stated, explaining his rationale: "the game is getting quicker, more tries are being scored – some young kid will come along and beat it – and I'll be fine with it." Adams, recognising the scoop, immediately asked if he could write the story. But Irvine, ever the pragmatic legend, thought for a moment before saying, "Nah mate, let it be until it happens, THEN it's a story."
A Promise Honoured
Adams kept his promise to Irvine for over four decades. Sadly, Ken Irvine passed away a few years after that conversation, at the young age of 50. His death was widely mourned across the rugby league world, marking the loss of a true icon of the sport. Throughout the following decades, as generation after generation of players came and went, Irvine's record remained intact, reinforcing the belief among many that it truly was an insurmountable feat.
But Tony Adams carried the secret knowledge of Irvine's foresight, waiting for the day his prediction would come true. Now, with Alex Johnston's historic achievement, Adams has finally revealed the story, honouring his word to the legendary winger. It's a poignant moment that adds another layer to Irvine's legacy, showcasing not just his prowess on the field but also his remarkable understanding of the game's evolution. Somewhere, Adams believes, Irvine is looking down, smiling at the game he loved and the record he knew would one day fall.
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The breaking of the 53-year-old record by Alex Johnston at Allianz Stadium in front of a passionate crowd marks a new chapter in rugby league history, just as Ken Irvine foresaw.
This article was created with AI assistance.
