Guards doubled, $5.5K fines ready: No NRL tolerance for AJ pitch invasion

The NRL has warned South Sydney fans that anyone rushing the field when Alex Johnston breaks the rugby league tryscoring record will face $5,500 fines and major stadium bans as the governing body looks to keep the moment “safe.”

After scoring against the Dolphins on Sunday afternoon, Johnston now needs just two NRL tries to clear the all-time scoring record set by Kev Irvine in the 1970s. Should he manage to score twice on Friday evening, his monster milestone moment would come against the Rabbitohs’ arch-rivals, and the Sydney Roosters, at Allianz Stadium.

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It’s enough to have the NRL on red alert, with the league now doubling the guards assigned to the Allianz-hosted match and telling fans that anyone rushing the field will face harsh penalties whether they behave themselves on the pitch or not.

“The NRL is fully supportive of celebrating the milestone in a manner which is safe for players and supporters,” an NRL spokesperson said. “Should Alex Johnston break the record, he will be acknowledged with a special presentation post-game. Fans are reminded they are not allowed on the field… [it] carries significant penalties and potential stadium bans.”

NSW Police is also expected to have officers on the pitch during play, while Venue NSW’s security team, E Group Security, will conduct “stringent bag checks on spectators before they enter Allianz Stadium.”

Both the NRL and the home-side Roosters will be posting social media messages that warn fans about the zero-tolerance rules now in place.

E Group Security was also in charge during the Sydney Swans match, where Lance “Buddy” Franklin kicked his record 1000th goal at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2023. Nearly all Swans fans stormed the field to celebrate.

Stadium officials reportedly believe Allianz is a better shape to stop any fans rushing the field.

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In another blow for those eager and excited to celebrate what is arguably rugby league’s biggest moment in some 50 years, Souths coach Wayne Bennett has also warned that celebrations should be kept to the stands. “No, I do not (want to see that), that is not our game,” the seven-time premiership coach said, telling fans he thought it was a silly idea.”

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“I don’t accept it will probably happen,” he added. “I don’t see why it should happen. I have no comprehension why it should happen… It’s the respect of the game. That’s the important thing here, that we play for 80 minutes and you stay off the field. I believe in that.”

The supercoach then admitted. “At the end of the game, no problems.”