Andrew “Joey” Johns was recently inducted into the Australian team of the century as the best half back to come from down under.  He was one of only three nearly unanimous decisions. 

The Newcastle Knights legend played 249 games for the club – being instrumental in their two premiership victories. He joined the ranks of the club as a junior at the age of 15, and four years later came off the bench several times in the 1993 season. The Knights incumbent halfback, Matthew Rodwell injured himself and so began the era as Johns was handed his first starting position in the beginning of 1994. 

Playing against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, he scored 23 points and was named man of the match in his first full game.
In the 1997 season, Johns guided Newcastle to their first Grand Final appearance, against the might of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, whom were defending champions and minor premiers (the award given to the regular season’s best team). 

'No other player in the history of the game has won the title so many times'


Despite suffering horrendous injuries in the semi-final victory against the Cronulla Sharks – Johns defied his critics and played in the Grand Final. With regular time nearly up, and the scores tied at 16 a piece, Johns ran out of position down the blind slipping a miracle pass to his winger Darren Albert. This play has since gone down in the annals of history as it gave the Knights victory with only six seconds remaining and secured Newcastle their maiden Australian premiership title.

In later years, the Knights suffered player losses, with Paul Harragon retiring, and Andrew’s older brother Matthew deciding to play in Britain.  So in 2001, Joey was named Newcastle captain, a burden many felt would inhibit his magical skills. He proved the pundits wrong, leading the Knights to their second Premiership title with a 30-24 victory over the Parramatta Eels.

He was plagued by injury in the following years, but in 2006 amassed 30 points against the Canberra Raiders to break the points scoring record for a player at a single club – with 1,972 points. That same year he became the highest point’s scorer in Australian first-grade rugby league, breaking Jason Taylor’s record of 2,107 points.

In 1995 he gained his first state cap, representing New South Wales in the 1995 State of Origin series, and made his debut for the Kangaroo’s in their successful defence of the Rugby World League Cup. In 2002, he was made both New South Wales captain and the captain of the national team – winning the player of the series against Great Britain. He finished his representative career with 21 test caps with the Kangaroo’s, played in two World cups, and played 23 games for the Blues in State of Origin. He would have added more to these tallies if not for consistent injury layoffs.

He won back-to-back Dally M Medals for the best Australian footballer in league in 1998/99. In 2002, he won the elite award for a third time, no other player in the history of the game has won the title so many times.

Joey was dogged by controversies, including the 2004 code switching debacle. He was reportedly offered a multi-million contract to switch to rugby union – but eventually was signed by the Australian Rugby League for a huge contract which included formal commentator and “after you retire” benefits. Many stated that the whole debate which was headline news was fuelled by Johns to increase his value to league.

In 2005 he played a two-game stint with the Warrington Wolves – for a reported $100,000 AUD per game. Again, contract signing was an issue, and the Knights only released Johns after he signed a clause with his club keeping him their till he retired.

There was also Ecstasy scandal, where he was found with a pill in his pocket but claimed a fan had slipped it in his jacket. He would later admit that he had taken recreational drugs throughout his entire career.

In 2007 the great man would retire due to a long run of injuries, not least of all severe neck problems. By this time the Cessnock junior had revolutionised the sport of rugby league and remains the benchmark as to what all league halfbacks are judged. His great strength for a half, his bullet like passing and incredible repertoire of kicks made him a legend, and he is no doubt the most influential player that League has ever seen.

 

Rugby, Rugby League, Rugby Union