An NRL rival has backed fans in their bid to invade the pitch when Rabbitohs veteran Alex Johnston breaks the all-time try-scoring record.

Johnston is just six tries away from equalling Ken Irvine’s historic tally of 212.

And a viral petition calling for fans to be allowed to “storm the field” has already garnered more than 2000 signatures.

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Evidently keen to make it happen, the listing calls for “coordination with match officials, club security, and relevant authorities to ensure this celebration is conducted safely”.

The looming occasion has been likened to AFL legend Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin kicking his 1000th goal back in 2022 when thousands of fans flocked onto the SCG.

“Souths fans, when your guy Alex Johnston breaks the record, I’m giving you permission to run on the field,” Townsend joked on his podcast.

“Hoist this man up on the shoulders... and celebrate this.

“This record has been there for such a long time.

“I don’t know if we will ever see it broken in our lifetime again. So Souths fans, storm the field, get him up on the shoulders, this needs to be a moment.”

Johnston launched himself closer to the record with a four-try haul in the loss to Melbourne over the weekend.

Despite the defeat, the Souths veteran took the chance to recognise how close he is to the special feat.

“If you told me a few weeks ago, I would have told you I was still a fair bit away,” he said.

“But I’ve scored a few tries in the past few games and I’m getting close now. I’ll try my best to get it this year.

“It will be very special.”

Having worn the famous Souths colours since he was a junior Johnston has experienced the highs and lows in his time at the club, including a near exit back in 2020.

He is now hopeful of not just breaking Irvine’s record but earning another contract extension when his current deal expires at season’s end.

“Once I finish this season... signing a new contract will be nice, getting that record will be nice, and then I don’t know,” Johnston said.

“Another four more years would be nice.”