Roosters edge Rabbitohs as Alex Johnston becomes all-time try-scorer

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Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs

Sydney Roosters won 26-18 against South Sydney Rabbitohs in front of 41,424 fans at Sydney Football Stadium on Friday night.

Congratulations to Alex Johnston. The Rabbitohs winger streaked away just afrer half-time to become the all-time leading try-scorer with his 213th four-pointer. 

It was a big night in Sydney and the game matched the intensity early. Both teams were getting through their work and bringing the boom.

The Rabbitohs had the early edge in possession, having five or six sets on the Roosters line. They were repelled by the hosts and the game remained at 0-0.

The home side drew first blood, through a veteran of their own. Daly Cherry-Evans stuck his neck out and ignored his wide men to get his first in the tri-colours.

On a big night for wingers, the Roosters wide men were the one's that drew first blood. Daniel Tupou showed off his fleet feet to skip past several defenders to make it 12-0.

Everyone was there for Alex Johnston and he got halfway there in the first half. He finished off a slick Rabbitohs backline move to equal Ken Irvine on 212 tries and set up a big second half.

The moment came right after half-time. Souths spread it wide, Mitchell positioned Johnston and he strode into history, scoring number 213 and sparking wonderful scenes with a pitch invasion and fans, including the PM, celebrating the achievement.

There was a lengthy delay while everyone cleared off and Johnston changed into a gold #2 then when we resumed, Mitchell nailed the conversion to make it 12-all.

Once everything calmed down, there was rugby league to play. Roosters swung it right and who else, Mark Nawaqanitawase squeezed the ball inside the sideline to score.

Roosters extended their lead to eight from the tee. Walker piloted over a penalty goal after some rubbish in the tackle to make it 20-12 for the tri-colours.

On a historic night, it needed a historic finish. Souths got a break when Nawaqanitawase had an error. Rabbitohs attacked the right and Jack Wighton laid on the kick for Campbell Graham to bring them within two.

It was the hosting team that took the chocolates tonight. Cherry-Evans put through a kick and James Tedesco was there to touch down for a 26-18 win.