Anthony Albanese was one of thousands of fans to storm the field in chaotic scenes at Allianz Stadium as Alex Johnston made rugby league history.
Anthony Albanese says any possible fine for storming the field to celebrate the Rabbitohs’ Alex Johnston becoming the greatest tryscorer of all time on Friday night was “worth it to be part of history”.
The Prime Minister was among thousands of fans who swarmed onto the field at Allianz Stadium after Johnston scored his second try of the game a minute into the second half, overtaking Ken Irvine’s 1973 record of 212 tries.
After scoring one in the first half, Johnston made history when he latched onto a Latrell Mitchell pass to race away and score which led to thousands of people storming onto the Allianz Stadium surface, including Mr Albanese.
Asked after the game whether he would be fined for joining the on-field chaos, Mr Albanese told Nine: “It was worth it to be part of history.
“I was on the Souths board when we got kicked out of the comp and 100,000 people marched through the streets of Sydney – ‘South Sydney ‘til I die’, as the slogan went.
“A great moment for Alex Johnston – he’s been an extraordinary player but he’s also a great man, he’s so humble – and it was a great moment for rugby league and a great moment for South Sydney.”
It’s unlikely Mr Albanese will cop a $5500 fine or a two-year ban, but it would be worth it after he got to see the Rabbitohs legend celebrate the magical milestone on the biggest stage.
“I’ve already done about a thousand interviews, so I’m just trying to let it sink in,” Johnston said after the game, with the fans rushing onto the field even though Souths coach Wayne Bennett urged them not to do it.
“So I’m sure I’ll get home and shower up and see what the boys are doing and then after maybe a couple of beers it might finally sink in.