Overview
- Johnston’s double took him to 213 career tries, surpassing Ken Irvine’s 212 that had stood since 1973.
- Play paused for about 15 minutes as players were escorted to the sheds before resuming, and the Roosters won 26-18.
- Pre-match threats of $5,500 fines and stadium bans did not deter supporters, who booed warnings and surged onto the turf.
- Police reported two arrests, including one over an alleged assault on a security guard, and Venues NSW is unlikely to issue mass fines.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined the on-field celebration, while Souths coach Wayne Bennett called the interruption “pretty disruptive,” fueling debate over managing such moments and comparisons with the AFL’s handling of Lance Franklin’s 1000th goal.