Alex Johnston’s shot at try-scoring history will rest on his right hamstring after the South Sydney winger’s hot run of 15 four-pointers in six games was interrupted by injury.
Johnston is facing a stint on the sideline after being hurt in Sunday night’s win over Canterbury, with coach Wayne Bennett on Sunday night hoping it would only be “a couple of weeks”.
The injury could prove costly in his pursuit of history, Johnston leaving the field after his second try in the Rabbitohs’ 32-24 victory.
The Souths flyer is well on track to become the first player in 67 years to score 30 or more tries in a season, after taking his tally to 24 for the year with seven rounds to play.
Only Raymond Preston in 1954 and Dave Brown in 1935 have passed the mark in the game’s history, with 34 and 38 respectively.
Johnston is also just one try away from equalling Nathan Blacklock’s record of 25 in 2001 for the most in a regular season since the Super League war.
It came after he broke another NRL-era record on Sunday night, bagging multiple tries in his last six games and overtaking Semi Radradra’s five straight from 2015.
“It’s a hamstring, it’s not too bad he doesn’t think, but he’d be a couple of weeks I’d say,” Bennett said.
Johnston’s injury isn’t the only issue for Souths.
Campbell Graham and Liam Knight both suffered concussions, the latter having several issues earlier in the year after a head knock.
The Rabbitohs have a six-day turnaround before the Warriors match next week.
“Liam’s pretty good right now. He’s got a little bit of a headache,” Bennett said.
“The really good thing about all of this, is it’s totally out of my hands. I’ve got nothing to do with it.
“It goes through all the protocols now and they will follow those religiously.
“The doctor’s really good, the physio’s are wonderful with it.
“So if Liam’s cleared to play next week, it’ll be because he’s passed and if he hasn’t passed the protocols then he won’t play.”
© AAP
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