Andrew Johns is a former Newcastle, NSW and Australian halfback who is considered by many as one of the greatest players to ever play the game. Voted as the eighth “immortal” of rugby league, Johns’ knowledge and analysis of the game has propelled him to be one of the most respected commentators and minds in the game.
Andrew Johns arrived on the rugby league scene in 1994 and immediately announced himself as a future superstar of the game, scoring a club record 23 points on debut for the Newcastle Knights, earning him the Man of the Match. From this stellar debut, Johns would go on to make 249 NRL appearances, including 2 Grand Final Wins for Newcastle, the second of which saw him win the Clive Churchill medal for man of the match.
Johns’ excellence on the field would also see him take out the Golden Boot award for the world’s best player on two occasions. He is also a three-time winner of the Dally M medal, a feat that would see him voted as Rugby League Week’s best player of the last 30 years, as well as being named as halfback in the 2008 Australian Team of the century. Johns would play 23 games apiece for both New South Wales and Australia, also being named captain on multiple occasions in a highly decorated representative career.
Known for his football smarts, sharp passing game, and flawless kicking game, Johns is considered an innovator due to having changed the way the game is played. After retiring prematurely due to an ongoing neck injury, it is no surprise that Johns has been highly sought after by clubs looking for a specialist halves coach to give their 6 and 7 an edge. His knowledge and understanding of the game gives him the ability to analyse and break down a game of Rugby League in a way in which no one else can, making him one of the more popular commentators on television.
