When South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston made history tonight, his record-breaking try reverberated deep in Cronulla Sharks territory.

In a match against the Sydney Roosters, the former dux of Endeavour Sports High School, in the Sutherland Shire, surpassed the long-standing record of 212 first-grade tries set by rugby league great Kevin Irvine.

For the students and staff at Endeavour Sports High School, Johnston’s achievement is about more than sport. It is a moment of immense pride for a former student whose success reflects the school’s emphasis on both academic and sporting excellence.

“This is a 50-year-old record that many thought would never be broken,” Endeavour Sports High School Principal James Kozlowski said.

“Not only is Alex among the incredible try-scorers we’ve watched over the past few decades - he’s now officially the greatest.”

NSW Education Secretary Murat Dizdar also watched the moment and like principal Kozlowski was in awe of the achievement.

“As a rugby league fan, to witness history being made was phenomenal,” Mr Dizdar said.

“I am also extremely proud of the role the public education system has played in nurturing this outstanding young man to achieve his dreams.

“His continued relationship with his old school is testimony to the value he places on the education and opportunities he received there.

“As a living legend he will no doubt be a source of inspiration to Endeavour students who aspire to excel in their fields of passion.”

An inspiration for generations of students

Johnston graduated as Dux of the school in 2012, achieving an ATAR above 90 in his HSC.

Just two years later, he was scoring the opening try in South Sydney’s 2014 NRL Grand Final victory - helping the Rabbitohs secure their first premiership in 43 years.

“Alex was Dux of our school. He demonstrated that academic and sporting success can - and should - be achieved simultaneously,” Mr Kozlowski said.

“If Alex hadn’t turned professional in sport, he would undoubtedly have pursued an academic pathway beyond school.”

Beyond his achievements on the field, Johnston has also become a published children’s book author and has remained closely connected to the school community.

He regularly returns to Endeavour Sports High School to speak with students and attend awards nights - visits that continue to inspire the next generation of young athletes.

“Alex consistently gives back to our school through visits to speak with our students and by attending awards nights,” Mr Kozlowski said.

“People always hope their sporting heroes are good people off the field. Alex is certainly that. He’s a wonderful person and one of the best role models in sport.”

Such is the esteem Johnston is held in by the school community that one of their sporting houses has been named in his honour, and he has been inducted into the school’s Sporting Hall of Fame.

A culture built on more than sport

Endeavour Sports High School’s rugby league program is widely respected, producing more than 20 Australian Schoolboys representatives and elite athletes across multiple sports. Yet its philosophy has always placed character before accolades.

“Our rugby league program focuses on developing good people who are also good students. The athlete comes third,” Mr Kozlowski said.

“Alex epitomises this culture. He’s a wonderful person who excelled in the classroom and went on to achieve great success in his sport.

A legacy for public education

Johnston’s achievement is one that resonates far beyond the footy field. It is a reminder of what NSW public schools, and the communities that surround them, can produce.

“Endeavour and public education should be very proud of what Alex has achieved,” Mr Kozlowski said.

“I know he believes Endeavour has contributed significantly to both his success and the person he has become today.”