Home » Sport » Alex Johnston Nears Try Record as Rabbitohs Defeat Dolphins 40-30 in Round 1 Showdown

Alex Johnston Nears Try Record as Rabbitohs Defeat Dolphins 40-30 in Round 1 Showdown

by Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor

The Rabbitohs kicked off their 2026 NRL season with a thrilling 40-30 victory over the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday. This match marked an key milestone for South Sydney’s Alex Johnston, who is now just one attempt away from equalling Ken Irvine’s all-time record of 212 tries. With 211 tries to his name, Johnston sets his sights on the next round against the Roosters, where he will have a chance to make history.

In front of a crowd of 20,114, the Rabbitohs displayed dominant possession throughout the match, holding 59% of the ball and completing 33 of 44 sets at a 75% success rate. Novel recruit David Fifita had an impressive performance, contributing significantly to the team’s success, although standout players including Keaon Koloamatangi, Cameron Murray, Latrell Mitchell, and Cody Walker also played pivotal roles.

Cody Walker’s first career 40-20 kick was a key moment, occurring when the Dolphins were gaining momentum and had narrowed the gap to just six points. This strategic play energized the Rabbitohs and helped shift the match back in their favor.

Match Highlights

The game saw a flurry of tries, with both teams demonstrating their attacking prowess. The Rabbitohs started strong, with Campbell Graham scoring early on. Here’s a summary of the match highlights:

  • 3 min: Campbell Graham opens the scoring for the Rabbitohs with a try, followed by a missed conversion from Latrell Mitchell. Rabbitohs 4-0.
  • 10 min: Jake Averillo intercepts a pass and races 90 meters to score for the Dolphins, leveling the match at 4-4.
  • 26 min: Kulikefu Finefeuiaki scores for the Dolphins, narrowing the deficit to 12-10.
  • 40 min: Alex Johnston scores his 211th try, pushing the Rabbitohs to 28-10 at halftime.
  • 78 min: Jamayne Isaako scores for the Dolphins, bringing the score to 40-28.

Injury Updates

As the match progressed, both teams faced challenges with injuries, and suspensions. Ashton Ward left the match due to an ankle injury, while David Fifita was sin-binned late in the game. The Rabbitohs will necessitate to monitor Ward’s condition closely as they prepare for their next encounter.

The Dolphins also saw some changes, with Kurt Donoghoe ruled out before the game due to a hamstring injury, replaced by Brad Schneider at hooker. Prop Daniel Saifiti’s attempt to return from a shoulder injury fell short, impacting the Dolphins’ lineup.

Coaches’ Media Conferences

In the post-match media conference, Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett praised his team for their strong performance, particularly highlighting Koloamatangi’s impressive stats—250 meters run and 23 tackles made. Meanwhile, Dolphins coach also remarked on the team’s resilience but acknowledged the need for improvements in defense.

Looking Ahead

As the Rabbitohs prepare for their Round 2 clash against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium, all eyes will be on Alex Johnston as he aims to secure his place in NRL history. The upcoming matchup is anticipated to be a fierce rivalry, and both teams will be looking to capitalize on their respective strengths. The Dolphins will seek to bounce back after this loss, aiming to refine their strategies and solidify their defensive plays.

Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates and engage with the ongoing discussions as the NRL season unfolds. Share your thoughts on the match and let us realize your expectations for the next round!

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