Andrew Johns

Andrew Johns
Andrew Johns
Born	Andrew Gary Johns; May 19, 1974 (age 52); Cessnock, New South Wales, Australia
Occupation(s)	Rugby league player, cricketer, sports commentator
Years active	1993–2007 (rugby league), 2006–2007 (cricket)
Known for	Rugby league career with Newcastle Knights, Australian national team, New South Wales Blues; multiple Dally M Medals; Golden Boot Awards; inducted into The Immortals

Andrew Gary Johns (born 19 May 1974), commonly known as Joey, is a retired Australian professional rugby league player who competed during the 1990s and 2000s. Widely regarded as one of the sport’s all-time greats, he captained the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League, setting a club record with 249 appearances and guiding the team to premiership triumphs in both the 1997 and 2001 seasons. Johns represented Australia in two World Cups and participated in a Kangaroo tour, accumulating 21 Test caps. Additionally, he played 23 matches for the New South Wales Blues in the State of Origin series, captaining them to a series victory in 2003 and sharing a record four man-of-the-match awards alongside Peter Sterling. He also appeared for the Country Origin team in 1995 and 2003.

Johns announced his retirement on 10 April 2007 at age 32, due to a bulging disc in his neck that presented significant risks of spinal injury. He is one of only four players to have won the prestigious Golden Boot Award on multiple occasions and one of two athletes to claim the Dally M Medal three times. By the end of his career, he held the record as the highest point scorer in Australian first-grade premiership history with a total of 2,176 points.

In 2008, Rugby League Week honored Johns as the Greatest Player of the past three decades, placing him ahead of icons such as Wally Lewis, Brad Fittler, and Darren Lockyer. On 28 September 2012, he was inducted as the eighth member into rugby league’s exclusive group known as The Immortals.

Early years

Andrew Johns began his rugby league journey playing junior football for the Cessnock Goannas in his hometown of Cessnock, New South Wales. At just 19 years old, he made his first-grade debut during the 1993 season, initially coming off the bench. An injury to regular halfback Matthew Rodwell during the final pre-season trial ahead of the 1994 season provided Johns with a starting opportunity.

In his first start against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Johns impressed by scoring 23 points and earning Man of the Match honors. He quickly developed an effective partnership with his older brother, Matthew, who had been part of the Knights squad since 1991.

1995–2001

The 1995 ARL season marked a significant breakthrough for Johns. He represented New South Wales in the 1995 State of Origin series, filling a gap left by Super League-aligned players who were unavailable. That same year, he made his international debut for the Kangaroos during their successful campaign at the World Cup held in England. His performance earned him Man of the Match honors in the final at Wembley Stadium, where Australia triumphed. Johns was also named Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

In 1996, Johns transitioned to playing at for State of Origin selection, as selectors preferred Geoff Toovey at halfback. When healthy, he was a regular representative for both state and country, missing selection only due to injury setbacks.

During the 1997 ARL season, Johns played a pivotal role in guiding Newcastle to their inaugural grand final appearance against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. Despite suffering from recent injuries including broken ribs and a punctured lung, he participated in the match and contributed decisively by assisting winger Darren Albert for a last-minute try that secured Newcastle’s first-ever premiership.

In the debut season of the newly formed National Rugby League competition (1998), Newcastle performed strongly but narrowly missed out on claiming the minor premiership. Johns was awarded his first Player of the Year honor with the prestigious Dally M Medal. Although he experienced difficulties with goal-kicking during Game 1 of the 1998 State of Origin series, he managed to secure a second consecutive Dally M Medal—a feat not accomplished since Michael Cronin’s era in the late 1970s.

Following several retirements within the squad and his brother Matthew’s transfer to English Super League club Wigan Warriors, Johns was named captain of Newcastle. Under his leadership, the Knights captured the 2001 NRL grand final, defeating the Parramatta Eels 30–24. Johns earned Man of the Match accolades and received the coveted Clive Churchill Medal. Later that year on the 2001 Kangaroo tour, he finished as top point scorer during Australia’s Ashes series victory and was awarded Man of the Match honors for his performance in the second Test. For his contributions to Australian rugby league, Johns was also granted the Australian Sports Medal.

2002–2005

Following their triumph in the 2001 NRL Premiership, the Knights faced the Super League champions Bradford Bulls in the 2002 World Club Challenge. Captaining from , Johns contributed a try and successfully kicked three goals, although Newcastle ultimately lost the match. In the 2002 season, Johns was appointed captain of both the New South Wales squad and the Australian national team, earning the Player of the Series accolade during the contest against Great Britain. Despite narrowly missing out on securing the minor premiership, the Knights were knocked out early in the finals after Johns sustained a broken back early in the series. Nevertheless, even with limited participation in the finals, he secured his third Dally M Medal, equaling a record later matched only by Johnathan Thurston.

The back injury Johns suffered in 2002 marked the beginning of persistent health challenges, including a severe neck injury in 2003, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear that sidelined him for most of 2004, and a broken jaw sustained in early 2005.

During the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup, Johns contributed to Wales' preparations prior to matches, highlighting his appeal across both rugby codes.

In 2004, Johns drew significant interest from rugby union when he received an attractive offer from the New South Wales Waratahs. However, the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) initially withheld customary salary supplements, citing concerns over his age and injury record—reasons that were later withdrawn amid controversy. Despite this setback, the Waratahs’ proposal exceeded any contract offered by rugby league clubs. After intervention by NRL CEO David Gallop and Channel Nine—who provided financial incentives alongside a prospective commentary position—Johns decided to remain in rugby league, also influenced by his son’s preferences. Additionally, he was approached by the Welsh Rugby Union due to his ancestral links.

Returning from injury for Game 2 of the 2005 State of Origin series, Johns replaced Brett Kimmorley and earned Man-of-the-Match honors as New South Wales defeated Queensland 32–22. He sustained this high level of performance in Game 3, leading to a 32–10 victory that secured the series for New South Wales.

In August 2005, Johns signed a brief contract with Super League’s Warrington Wolves to participate in their remaining regular-season fixtures and potential playoff matches. This agreement followed his renewal of a contract with Newcastle to continue as captain through to 2008.

2006–2007

In Round 2 of the 2006 season, Andrew Johns shattered a longstanding club record by scoring 30 points against the Canberra Raiders. This achievement elevated him above Mick Cronin’s 1,971 points as Parramatta’s all-time leading point scorer at a single club.

Later that year, during Round 18 facing the Parramatta Eels, Johns surpassed Jason Taylor’s record to become the highest points scorer in nearly a century of first-grade Australian rugby league history. The record-breaking goal occurred during a 46–12 defeat to Taylor-coached Parramatta.

The start of the 2007 season was challenging for Johns; he suffered a concussion just four minutes into Round 1 following a high tackle by Canterbury Bulldogs forward Sonny Bill Williams, who was subsequently suspended for two weeks. Johns missed Round 2 but returned for Round 3 against Canberra—his final appearance in an NRL match. Shortly afterward, during training, a tackle involving teammate Adam Woolnough prompted medical evaluation that uncovered a bulging disc in Johns’ neck unrelated to that incident. Doctors advised immediate retirement due to potentially life-threatening risks. Consequently, on 10 April 2007, Johns announced his retirement.

The Newcastle Knights endured a difficult season in his absence, finishing 15th out of 16 teams and narrowly avoiding last place. Johns revealed he had contemplated retiring at season’s end but was compelled to stop playing five months earlier than planned. Reflecting on his teammates’ reactions, he suggested they were probably relieved given his recent injuries.

Following his retirement, numerous rugby league greats advocated for Johns’ recognition as one of the sport’s immortals. Over a distinguished 13-year career originating from Cessnock juniors, he left an indelible mark on rugby league. In October 2008, Johns completed a charity walk from Newcastle to Sydney aimed at raising funds for the Black Dog Institute.

Cricket career

In June 2006, while still active in rugby league, Johns was announced as a player for New South Wales in their Twenty20 cricket competition. This news attracted considerable media attention and doubt, particularly since his first match took place in his hometown of Newcastle. Johns made his professional cricket debut on 7 January 2007 against South Australia, playing before a record crowd in Newcastle. Although he missed a chance to take a wicket, he scored nine runs in his subsequent match against Tasmania at Stadium Australia, marking the conclusion of his short-lived cricket stint.

After retirement

Despite suffering a neck injury, Johns took part in the 2007 All Golds tour match representing New Zealand but declined further invitations to join the team. He then moved into broadcasting, providing commentary for Channel 9 and appearing on Monday Night Football on Triple M radio.

In April 2007, the Newcastle Knights paid tribute to Johns by naming the new $30 million East grandstand at EnergyAustralia Stadium the Andrew Johns Stand and retiring his jersey number 7 for one game. Later that year, he was honored as halfback and captain in the Knights’ Team of the Era.

Johns began part-time coaching duties in June 2007, initially serving as an in-play kicking coach for the Australian Rugby Union's Wallabies during the Tri Nations Series. Subsequently, he contributed to coaching efforts with Parramatta Eels, Newcastle Knights, and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, focusing primarily on halves and backs development.

By February 2008, Johns had been recognized as Best Player of the Last 30 Years by a leading rugby league publication and was named halfback in the Australian Rugby League's Team of the Century. In September 2008, he and his wife Cathrine revealed they were expecting their first child; their son Louis Byron was born in March 2009.

In 2010, Johns joined Super Rugby’s Melbourne Rebels as inside backs coach. Despite his rugby league background, player James O'Connor commended Johns’ coaching knowledge and impact.

Although controversy surrounded his past ecstasy use, Johns was officially inducted as rugby league’s eighth Immortal in September 2012 based exclusively on his playing achievements. In November 2012, he accepted an assistant coaching role with Manly Warringah Sea Eagles for the 2013 season, where he also undertook mentoring and ambassadorial responsibilities.

Ecstasy use controversy

On 26 August 2007, Johns was apprehended for fare evasion on the London Underground and discovered to be carrying one ecstasy tablet. He received a caution and was released without further legal action. Initially, Johns claimed that an unidentified individual had slipped the tablet into his pocket without his knowledge and that he had forgotten to remove it before leaving the venue—an explanation met with widespread doubt. On 30 August, during an appearance on the Footy Show, Johns confessed to regular ecstasy use throughout his playing career, predominantly during off-season periods. He attributed this behavior to battles with depression, bipolar disorder, and the mental strains associated with elite sports competition. Following this admission, he published an autobiography describing his experiences with depression and substance use during his time in the NRL.

The Australian Rugby Union acknowledged that Johns' drug use was a factor known to them and influenced their decision not to pursue contract negotiations in 2004. Brett Robinson, then manager of high performance programs, indicated that considerations including Johns' age, injury history, and drug use contributed to the ARU's ultimate choice.

Racism controversy

Prior to Origin II in June 2010, New South Wales player Timana Tahu exited the squad following allegations that Johns had used a racial slur towards Queensland player Greg Inglis during a training session. This incident led to Johns being removed from his position as NSW assistant coach. Although he issued an apology on 15 June, claims surfaced suggesting this was not the first instance of racist remarks made by Johns within rugby league environments. Inglis advocated for Johns to be prohibited from any future involvement in the sport.

More Joyous Scandal

Johns was significantly involved in the More Joyous controversy, which also featured notable Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse, owner and media personality John Singleton, and the son of bookmaker Tom Waterhouse. Johns passed on information from Tom Waterhouse indicating that More Joyous was "off" to brothel proprietor Eddie Hayson and former jockey Allan Robinson. Upon discovering this, Singleton publicly condemned Gai Waterhouse during a live television broadcast. Although Johns feared jeopardizing his commentary role at Channel 9 due to his association with advertiser Tom Waterhouse, he maintained his position despite the negative impact on his reputation. A Racing NSW investigation ultimately cleared both Waterhouses of significant misconduct; however, Singleton and Gai Waterhouse ended their longstanding collaboration until their reconciliation in 2016.

On 28 September 2023, Johns declared his exit from the New South Wales coaching team after the NSWRL board opted not to renew his contract following another series defeat.

Epilepsy

In 2019, Johns revealed he had been diagnosed with epilepsy, with medical professionals suggesting that his playing career and multiple concussions may have played a role. During a 2020 interview with his brother Matthew Johns on Fox League, he remarked, “They think maybe a contributor could be some of the concussions I’ve had and ... continual head knocks.” In December 2018, Johns experienced an epileptic seizure at a café in Yamba, which led to the temporary suspension of his driver’s license. Although initially denied reinstatement by the Roads and Maritime Service, his license was restored following an appeal.

Live State of Origin rant

Following New South Wales' defeat to Queensland in game three of the 2022 State of Origin series—securing Queensland's series victory—Johns appeared visibly frustrated during Channel 9's family-oriented live coverage. In an incident after the match, which some speculated might indicate an unofficial resignation, Johns responded to a question about the game by stating, “Now we have to listen to all the bullshit from you (Queenslanders) in the next 12 months. It drives you mad.”

Business life

Johns co-founded and co-owns Steel City Beer Company alongside Matthew Johns, Danny Buderus, Kurt Gidley, and Matt Hoy.

Club career

Team	Matches	Tries	Goals	Field Goals	Points
Newcastle Knights 1993–2007	249	80	917	22	2,176
Warrington Wolves 2005	4	1	12	1	29

Representative career

Team	Matches	Tries	Goals	Field Goals	Points
Country Origin 1995–1996, 2003	3	1	7	0	18
New South Wales 1995–2000, 2002–2003, 2005	23	4	37	4	94
Australia 1995–2003, 2005–2006	27	12	90	0	228

Achievements, awards and honors

In February 2008, Johns was recognized as one of Australia's 100 Greatest Players spanning 1908 to 2007, an initiative commissioned by both the NRL and ARL to celebrate rugby league's centenary. Later that year, on 17 April 2008, he earned selection as halfback in the Australian rugby league Team of the Century, reflecting the consensus of the selection panel for starting roles and interchange positions. Additionally, New South Wales honored him by naming him halfback in their rugby league team of the century during the same period.

Newcastle Knights records

Highest points scored in a single match: 34 (against Canberra, 29 July 2001)
Most goals kicked in one match: 11 (against Canberra, 19 March 2006)
Record points accumulated in a season: 279 (during the 2001 NRL season)
All-time leading point scorer for the club: 2,176

Australian premiership records

Retired holding the record for most individual points scored in premiership history with 2,176 points, surpassing Jason Taylor’s previous total of 2,107; currently ranks fourth on the all-time list.
Top point scorer throughout the 2001 National Rugby League season with a total of 279 points.
Holds the record for the highest number of points scored by a halfback in a single NRL season (279 points in 2001).

International records

Most points scored on debut at international level: 30 (versus South Africa during the 1995 World Cup)
Highest points tally in a test match: 32 (against Fiji in 1996)
Most goals kicked in a test match: 12 (versus Fiji, 1996)

Awards

Recipient of the Dally M Medal for best NRL player on three occasions (1998, 1999, 2002)
Awarded Dally M Halfback of the Year four times (1995, 1998, 1999, 2002)
Honored with the Provan-Summons Medal as fans’ favorite five times consecutively (1998–2002)
Twice awarded the Golden Boot Award as world’s best player (1999 and 2001)
Earned the Clive Churchill Medal as Grand Final man-of-the-match in 2001
Named Dally M Representative Player of the Year in 2005
Recognized as Player of the Series during Australia’s contest against Great Britain in 2001
MVP of the 1995 World Cup tournament
Achieved man-of-the-match honors in four State of Origin games between 1996 and 2005
Ranked first in Rugby League Week’s 'Modern Masters Top 30 Players of the Past 30 Years' list
Designated as Australia’s eighth rugby league Immortal in 2012, joining iconic figures such as Bob Fulton and Clive Churchill—a prestigious professional accolade.
Inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in October 2012 alongside prominent sports personalities including Wayne Bennett and Adam Gilchrist.
Awarded the Australian Sports Medal

External links