Joel Gould |
South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou says winger Alex Johnston has “got his mojo back” after he moved to fourth on the all-time premiership try-scoring list.
Johnston bagged a hat-trick in the 46-28 win over Gold Coast in Robina on Saturday night.
The 28-year-old flyer now has 178 tries, two ahead of former NSW and Australian winger Brett Morris.
Ahead of him are only Ken Irvine (212 tries), Billy Slater (190) and Steve Menzies (180).
Johnston scored just three tries in his first eight games this year but has notched nine in his past five.
“He was a bit gun-shy at the start of the year but has got his mojo back and is one of the best finishers in the game,” Demetriou said.
“If he continues on that path the tries will take care of themself. He doesn’t need to worry about records, if he gets there or when he gets there.
“It is a matter of just doing what he has done each week to get him to this point.”
Rabbitohs No.6 Cody Walker was involved in all three of left winger Johnston’s tries and left centre Isaiah Tass had a hand in two.
The Rabbitohs are more of a threat on the right side this year than previous seasons. Second-rower Keaon Koloamatangi created havoc on that right edge against the Titans.
“Getting (Johnston) cleaner ball has helped and being a bit more of a threat either side of the field has opened up that edge,” Demetriou said.
“Keaon was a threat at the start of the game and that made them put effort on their left edge to defend us.
“That opened up a bit more space on our left edge. So long as we are a threat across the park and Cody is getting the ball in a position where he needs it then AJ (Johnston) is going to be on the end of it.”
After two losses on the trot, the Rabbitohs put their foot down in the second half against the Titans after trailing 22-16 at the break.
“I was really pleased with how we owned our second half and got back to playing the Rabbitohs footy we spoke about at halftime, and that is through our defence,” Demetriou said.
“Our key players Cooky (Damien Cook), Cody (Walker) and Lachie (Ilias) did a great job.”
The win ensured the Rabbitohs will finish round 14 inside the top four. They are one of only two sides in the top four, with the Broncos the other, not to have had a bye and an automatic two points.
The Rabbitohs, on 18 points, are away to St George Illawarra on Saturday in Kogarah before having their first bye.
AAP