Huge fines, lengthy bans facing pitch invaders as Alex Johnston nears try-scoring record

Fans will risk copping $5500 fines and being banned from attending major venues for 12 months if they storm the field at Allianz Stadium to celebrate Alex Johnston becoming the greatest try-scorer in rugby league history on Friday night.

Both the NRL and Venues NSW, the latter of which manages Allianz Stadium, confirmed with Wide World of Sports on Tuesday that they are strictly against fans stampeding onto the field to celebrate the historic moment during the match between the Rabbitohs and Roosters.

Johnston scored one try against the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon to move to 211 career four-pointers — just one short of the record held by legendary North Sydney and Manly winger Ken Irvine for more than half a century.

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South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett made it abundantly clear in his post-game press conference he was fiercely against fans swarming onto the ground, but Campbell Graham, who plays on the opposite wing to Johnston, told reporters in the sheds he was all for it.

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A Venues NSW spokesperson confirmed with Wide World of Sports on Tuesday that non-complying fans risked receiving $5500 fines and 12-month bans from attending its venues, among which are the SCG, Accor Stadium and CommBank Stadium.

WWOS understands there will be a significant increase in security for Friday night's match.

The NRL confirmed its stance via a spokesperson.

"The NRL is fully supportive of celebrating the milestone in a manner which is safe for players and supporters," the 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 for safety reasons.

"Entering the field of play carries significant penalties and potential stadium bans at all of our venues."

South Sydney fans are salivating at the thought of Rabbitohs premiership winner Johnston breaking the record on the turf so intensely guarded by the Roosters, their arch-rivals, amid the clubs' well-publicised stadium war.

If Johnston doesn't score the two tries required at Allianz Stadium on Friday night, the 31-year-old may claim the record at Gosford's Polytec Stadium the following week when the Rabbitohs play Wests Tigers.

At the SCG in 2022, thousands of fans stormed the field to celebrate Lance Franklin booting his 1000th goal in the AFL.

Speaking in the sheds after the Rabbitohs' 40-30 win over the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, Graham said it would be fitting for fans to storm the field given the "incredible achievement".

He also admitted his answer could land him in "a bit of trouble".

Speaking on 2GB's Wide World of Sports on Monday night, he trod carefully.

"My back would probably appreciate it if they didn't [run on] because I wouldn't have to cool down and then warm up again," Graham laughed.

"But I think it's such an awesome opportunity to celebrate as a game, not just us as a team and Alex himself, but I think the rugby league community should really get behind it and celebrate it.

"What that looks like I'm not too sure, but I think if everyone gets around it, it'd be cool.

"We're all keen for him to get it done and I think, to be honest, he's keen to get it over and done with as well and kind of stop the noise around it.

"I think it'll be a bit of a monkey off his back, and we'll be doing what we can to get him there as quick as possible."