The nation’s leader joined the frenzied celebrations at Allianz Stadium, where fans poured onto the field, forcing players to retreat to their locker rooms and causing a 15-minute delay in the match.
Commentators on Nine described it as “a moment the game will never forget.”
Alex Johnston’s remarkable try against the Sydney Roosters brought his career total to 213, breaking the longstanding record held by Ken Irvine for over half a century.
Reflecting on the exuberant fan reactions, Brad Fittler commented, “I know it’s not ideal for the players right now, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime event.”
He added, “This is the only time this will happen in their life.”
Initially, security attempted to manage the enthusiastic crowd, but their efforts were in vain during this historic moment for rugby league.
And even Albanese couldn’t resist being part of the celebrations.
NRL legend Billy Slater interviewed Albanese after the game, asking if he faced being fined for joining the on-field celebrations.
“It was worth it to be part of history,” Albanese said, a red and green Rabbitohs scarf around his neck.
“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.
“And 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.”
The prime minister is South Sydney’s No.1 ticket holder and has been a fan for life.
He was previously a director on the club’s board, and a personal supporter of Johnston, including a period when the star almost left the club.
Albanese’s relationship with the Rabbitohs is so storied that he even fell in love with his wife, Jodie Haydon, in part due to their shared adoration of the club.
“It’s incredible and he’s a La Perouse local,” Albanese said as he continued about Johnston.
“He’s a proud Indigenous man, he’s an author, he’s written kids’ books.
“He’s just a great Australian.”
Newcastle Knights legend Andrew Johns said it was great to have the prime minister present, especially given his personal connection to Johnston.
“It’s great that he’s here and, you know, it’s not virtue signalling, he loves rugby league and he loves South Sydney,” Johns said on Nine.
“It just adds to the night.”
Unfortunately for the Rabbitohs, Johnston’s brilliance was not enough and the Roosters won 26-18.
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