Alex Johnston could also be three tries away from making rugby league historical past however South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett does not perceive “the fuss” across the achievement.
A 40-point thrashing of the Dragons noticed Johnston take one step nearer to surpassing Ken Irvine’s try-scoring file, which has stood since 1973.
However in South Sydney’s dominant show, the winger solely crossed for one strive.
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It was a flat cross – at greatest – into Johnston that opened the trail for his 210th profession strive, nevertheless it did seem as if the ball might have travelled ahead as he collected it.
No sign was made by the contact decide and referee Gerard Sutton awarded the strive. The Bunker cannot rule on passes going ahead or not.
Bennett admits it was a “marginal” name that would have gone both manner.
“I do not suppose the ref was recreation to take it off him, to be sincere with you,” the veteran coach stated post-match.
“I do not blame him, it was marginal that cross.”
Alex Johnston of the Rabbitohs is tackled. Getty
Johnston now wants two tries to attract stage with Irvine, and three to interrupt the file.
He has been backed by league greats to realize the feat this season, regardless of now solely having yet another shot to achieve Irvine or break the file.
South Sydney have a bye subsequent spherical earlier than they tackle bitter cross-town rivals the Roosters in what can be a fierce battle to complete up their season.
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Nonetheless, his teammate Cody Walker has religion he’ll obtain the milestone in that match.
“I believe so,” Walker stated when requested whether it is nonetheless a chance.
“We’ll see what occurs. We’ve got to see how they (the Roosters) defend us.
“It’s history-making … I could not think about what goes via his head. It’s a file that has been round perpetually and now we’re this near breaking it.
“To be part of one thing like that can be very, very particular.”
Bennett interjected: “You could possibly be on the bench although.”
“I am going to nonetheless run on,” Walker laughed.
Wayne Bennett and Cody Walker converse on the Rabbitohs post-match press convention. 9
When it got here to Bennett’s personal emotions concerning the milestone, he knowledgeable reporters that he’ll have a good time the historic achievement when it’s to happen.
However as for now, it would simply be common programming for all on the Rabbitohs.
“I do not know why you make such a fuss about it, to be sincere,” Bennett stated.
“It’s there, it isn’t damaged, the day it’s can be an important second. Nobody can predict when or the place (it’ll occur).
“Let’s simply get on with our lives, that is what he is doing. It can come and we are going to all have a good time it. Even when we’ve got to get Cody off the stretcher, we are going to have a good time it.”
Bennett went on to reward the success of Walker on return from damage, however didn’t shrink back from taking just a few extra cheeky jabs at his playmaker.
“There are about seven Cody’s who aren’t enjoying for us. After they do come out, they’re wonderful,” Bennett stated.
“Cody completed his regular manner right this moment the place he needed to come off early. He assures me that he’s good. He’s so used to coming off early now that he does not wish to keep on lengthy for video games anymore.
“I must make some choices on crew picks (in two weeks in opposition to the Roosters). I have not had to try this.”
The victory over the Dragons places the Rabbitohs on monitor to say 4 straight wins to finish their season. Though, Bennett joked it might actually be 5 on the trot.
“We’ve got received 4 straight wins, we’ve got the bye subsequent week,” he laughed.
‘We had a bye a few months in the past they usually tried to take the factors off us. We’re going higher now so that they stated we are able to have the factors.
“You guys had us profitable the wood spoon two weeks in the past, so simply give us a break. We’ll get to the sport in two weeks and discuss it then.”
