Buderus, Johns close to their best: Hagan -  27 May 2003
Newcastle coach Michael Hagan predicts NSW captain Andrew Johns and hooker Danny Buderus will peak in time for the start of next month's State of Origin rugby league series. The talk this week has focused on the simmering feud between Blues coach Phil Gould and Johns while Buderus has been forced to fend off questions about the threat to his state hooking role from Sydney Roosters rake Craig Wing.  Hagan, who is also Queensland assistant coach, told radio station 2KY that Knights pair Johns and Buderus had been distracted by these issues but were still playing good football leading up to Origin I in Brisbane on June 11.  Johns was outclassed by rival halfback Brett Kimmorley in Saturday night's narrow loss to Cronulla while Buderus was outstanding, scoring two first-half tries to give the Knights a 16-14 halftime lead.  "Andrew did play very well in the game on the weekend as did Danny Buderus and I think they're not too far away from their best and I'm sure NSW will get the benefit out of them in a few weeks' time," said Hagan, who admitted the split between Gould and Johns had adversely affected his champion halfback and his teammates. "It's difficult not to get distracted by certain issues and I guess that's been a pretty big talking point in the past few weeks.  "The speculation about the Origin series and who'll be playing started in round one or round two, which is a long way before Origin from years gone by that we started talking about it that early. "Yeah, I guess it's certainly had some impact on a couple of our players and we're just hopeful that we can get them back playing well for us first of all and then hopefully play well for NSW when they're ultimately selected."
Hagan rejected suggestions that as assistant to Queensland coach Wayne Bennett, he had a vested interest in his club players being omitted from the NSW squad. "I think we've been pretty supportive and strong in ensuring our players play rep footy," he said. "We want to see as many of our players play for Country NSW and Australia as we possibly can." 
Hagan will get a close look at the majority of the Queensland squad on Sunday when the Knights take on Brisbane at the revamped Suncorp Stadium.

Gould's threat to Joey - By PAUL KENT and BARRY TOOHEY,  01 June 2003 
Phil Gould told Andrew Johns he would be in reserve grade if he was playing club football at the Sydney Roosters. The Sunday Telegraph can reveal that it was that stunning remark made against the world's best player that prompted the urgent meeting between Gould, Johns and ARL chairman Colin Love last Wednesday.  Previously it was thought the meeting was just a 'catch-up' - but there was more at stake.  Johns had called Gould for a second time that morning to clear the air once and for all. It failed to have the desired effect, with the Blues coach producing the 'reserve grade' line. 
Following the phone call, Johns spoke to his mother, Gayle, who was so worried she called Knights coach Michael Hagan. 
Johns's manager John Fordham and Knights chairman Michael Hill were also involved and it was decided the widening rift between coach and player had to be mended and the meeting was arranged.  While several topics were discussed at ARL headquarters, relations between Gould and Johns were friendly, with Johns deciding to roll with the punches and simply let Gould have his say.  He told one source he was "over it". 
So over it, that when Gould made his threat of reserve grade he was far from concerned and even found it quietly amusing. 
Until Gould appeared on The Footy Show last Thursday night, most league followers believed the pair had only spoken once by telephone since their dispute the previous Wednesday at the Blues' Origin squad lunch that was exclusively captured by The Sunday Telegraph.  However, Gould revealed the pair had spoken a second time, a call which contained the coach's stunning threat.  "Andrew and I had to get some things sorted out," Gould said. "We've spoken twice on the phone during the week, we went to Colin Love's office yesterday afternoon.   "Not to sort a problem out but to confirm to Colin Love that he and I were sweet, that Joey and I were sweet, and that we're looking forward to next Monday, and that's what the meeting was about. So what has happened in the media has been nothing short of a disgrace." 
Gould is correct about some 'disgraceful' reporting. At Origin camp Johns' form was questioned by Gould and Johns sarcastically said he 'won't be there' when talking about the lunch that followed. Some reports had this meaning Johns wouldn't be at Origin.  Johns has never waivered from playing in the upcoming Origin series just as Brad Fittler will not be considered. The Test captain has also received incredible support from represenatative team-mates and league officials as the countdown to beat Queensland in Origin I on June 11 kicks into full gear with the NSW squad being picked tomorrow. Last Wednesday's meeting at Phillip Street is understood to be the first time a coach, his captain and an ARL chairman have met simply to confirm everybody is "sweet".   Despite Gould's insistence the rift between the pair is a beat-up orchestrated by the media to discredit him, there is little doubt their relationship has deteriorated and the whole episode could have been handled better.  To his credit, Johns is refusing to talk about it to avoid inflaming it any further and has now set himself the task of putting his head down and giving his all for the Blues.  Gould is said to still be concerned with Johns's form. During the now infamous meeting on the footpath outside a Coogee restuarnt, Gould questioned his form - along with several other players - and also his public support of Newcastle team-mates in his column in The Sunday Telegraph.  He was critical, believing Johns's continual support would put doubt in the heads of other players who may be selected ahead of them. He was later critical of Johns's attitude at the meeting, which was called on his day off with the Knights. 

I'm raring to go - Andrew Johns -  01 June 2003 
BREATHTAKING!
That is the only way to describe my first look at the new Suncorp Stadium.  Apart from some workmen, there wasn't anyone at the ground when I was there on Friday. What an awesome sight. The place is almost unrecognisable from what I remember. I'd go as far as to say it is the best ground I have seen, so I can't imagine what it will be like with close to 50,000 packed in there today for our match with Brisbane.   The old Lang Park has always been one of my favourite places to play. The atmosphere was something else and I have said in the past in relation to Origin games that you can almost smell the hatred in the stands for anything or anyone that comes from NSW. It's not Origin today but you can bet the reopening and a near full house will generate that sort of feeling. It will be a big test for our guys, but I am feeling really good about the game. I give us a real good chance of winning and I am not just saying that because I have to. We were really poor in the first 20 minutes against the Sharks last week and just as bad in the last 10.  But we have had a far more settled build-up to this game and I am fairly good at sensing a lift in spirits among the boys.  Steve Simpson, who was concussed in the first half against the Sharks, has had a couple of games back from injury and will really lift us in the pack and take some of the pressure off Ben Kennedy. 
And the return of Timana Tahu just adds to our strike-power out wide.  We have trained really well despite the big wet in Newcastle and there won't be any excuses. It is not giving too much away to suggest our pack has been given a bit of a rev-up by coach Michael Hagan. He has obviously felt a few guys needed to lift their games a little and there is no doubt we will have to be solid up the middle to contain the likes of Shane Webcke, Gorden Tallis and co. Keeping them in check is our best chance of controlling what Shaun Berrigan and Darren Lockyer do behind them. We are also going to have our hands full with Brent Tate and Michael De Vere in the centres, particularly if they play as well as they did against the Bulldogs.  But the big thing for us will be not allowing the occasion to take over and cloud what we are out to achieve.  I'll be telling the boys not to get too worked up and simply enjoy being a part of the day.  We have plenty of big-match players and, hopefully, we'll be able to spoil their party. 
It is a big game for me, my 200th in first grade.  I'm not going to go back over what has happened regarding me and State of Origin because, from my point of view, it is over and done with.  What I will say is, I'm feeling relaxed and raring to go and looking forward to playing the Broncos. They always provide a massive personal challenge. Sincere commiserations from all the boys to Glenice McMahon and Alana, Kayla and Gregory on the sad loss of Macca. A lot of the guys were not around when Macca was at the club but everyone is well aware of the traditions he started and the legacy he has left.

Gould's Games - Inside sport
Anyone catch the northern version of The Footy Show last night? If you did, you no doubt would have seen NSW coach Phil Gould's rant about the manner in which the media has blown this whole Gus vs Joey affair right out of proportion. It's not about a disagreement between the two of them, insisted Gould. It's about a vendetta against him that's been going on forever. Someone needs to remind Gould that if he's going to be a media animal, he's got to expect to get bitten once and a while. Understand this: Newcastle and Johns are extremely pissed at Gould's actions. But they're mostly keeping that criticism in-house. Apart from Newcastle coach Michael Hagan's criticism of the media circus that Gould has been creating with his incredible shrinking Origin squads and Johns's comments earlier this week in which he explained his side of the story. Yes, the News Ltd. press has done a lot of crying for them, but remember that Gould has his own forum - his weekly column in The Sun-Herald. It's the same (media) forum that created a lot of this angst in the first place. Here's the deal. Gould has bawled out his captain, allegedly to lift him out of this current form slump he's in. It happened in front of cameras and press, even though Gould said last night he wasn't aware they were there. This is wrong on two counts. Those who know Johns realise that there is no tougher marker on A. Johns than A. Johns. Those who know him realise he's going through a tough time off the field. Those who know him realise that the last thing Johns needs is a rocket. What a bloody insult! The world's best player getting a hurry up in this way. For someone who most certainly knows a lot about rugby league, Gould has made one helluva tactical blunder here. The result is that Johns is in a lose-lose-win situation. If NSW loses this series, he'll cop a ton of blame. If they win, Gould's motivational ploy will be seen as a stroke of genius. The best possible result though for Johns and NSW is if he captains NSW to a series win and then, at the after-match press conference, tells them something like this: "This is a great result considering the pressure the coach put me under." At the moment, Gould's placing a lot of pressure on his captain - and the real game hasn't even started. 

Joey's got 'em at sixes and sevens -  2 June 2003
On the eve of Origin selection, Andrew Johns yesterday inspired a few of his fellow Knights to play themselves into the Blues team, while several key players from other clubs played themselves out of it, writes Steve Mascord. 
Andrew Johns would have proved a point yesterday - if he or anyone at the Newcastle Knights had conceded he had one to prove in the first place. But while Johns confirmed his own form would no longer be an issue leading up to Origin I at Suncorp stadium on June 11, there is considerable angst over who will be his NSW halves partner.  Coach Phil Gould and selectors will meet at 10am today at the Phillip Street headquarters of the NSW Rugby League to thrash out the line-up.  As the same time, the Knights' rousing triumph against the odds in Brisbane yesterday has not only sparked Johns into Origin form, but also may have played centre Matthew Gidley into the starting side next to Knights winger Timana Tahu and forwards Ben Kennedy,  Steve Simpson and reserve Josh Perry. Kennedy (hamstring) and Simpson (back) will still have to pass fitness tests.  Yesterday, once again, belonged to Johns. The first match at the revamped Suncorp Stadium was one that will linger in the memories of 46,337 fans, the grand re-opening of the "Cauldron" being turned into an on-the-road celebration of Johns's 200th first-grade appearance as he piloted the Knights to a 32-22 triumph, their first over the Broncos in Brisbane.
At times, the match was poetic, the Knights turning a lucky 12-10 half-time lead into a commanding victory. As a soap-operatic piece of made-for-media drama, it was arguably even more compelling.
On the eve of the Origin series, we had a club at odds with the NSW team management but containing some of the Blues' best players, doing what Gould's side must do in nine day's time - win at the remodelled $280 million Maroon citadel.
The star - with six goals and the general play of a footballing genius - was Johns, who Gould reportedly believees was playing reserve-grade standard football. Co-star, scoring one of Newcastle's five tries and setting up two more, was Gidley. When Johns stuck up for Gidley's selection claims, according to reports, he earned a reproach from Gould that started the entire drama a week and a half ago. Knights coach Michael Hagan would not go along with the hype - the suggestion that Gould was trying to inspire Johns to new heights in the month ahead.  "He doesn't have to answer anybody," Hagan said of his captain. "It's about our football team and what we want to get out of our season. He was just a real professional in the way he went about his week and the way he went about his football and I think we just need to let him do that."
If Gould v Johns was, as NSW chairman of selectors Bob McCarthy put it, a media circus, the next week and a half will be the Easter Show and the World Expo rolled into one. Johns, for his part, wasn't saying much. "It was a good way to celebrate the first game here," he said. He is unlikely to utter more in the days ahead. Was Johns really in any way out of form, or is that suggestion merely intended to inspire him to heights no rugby league player has yet reached?  Wayne Bennett knew only one thing for certain last night. "We played him into form," he deadpanned. "I'm happy for Andrew."

Joey wanted their bodies on the line - and he got it - By Steve Mascord,  June 2 2003
Brisbane 22 Newcastle 32
Andrew Johns used a novel motivational tool to inspire Newcastle to a great victories yesterday, telling teammates to go out in the second half and get injured.  Fortunate to trail just 12-10 at the break, the Knights turned on an astonishing performance in the second half to score their first win over the Broncos in Brisbane, 32-22, in front of a 46,337 crowd for the opening of the refurbished Suncorp Stadium.  Johns - the subject of intense speculation during the previous 10 days about his relationship with NSW coach Phil Gould - was in everything as the Knights scored four second-half tries. "With 'Joey' playing his 200th game, we were all really passionate about the second half," said five-eighth Kurt Gidley, a late inclusion in the starting side.  "Joey had a bit of a half-time talk about going out there and giving 110 per cent. He said, 'give it everything because we've got the bye next week and if you're going to come out of the game with a few injuries, this is the week to do it'."  Thankfully, few followed Johns's instructions to the letter. Prop Steve Simpson suffered his back problem in the first half but second-rower Ben Kennedy did pull up sore with a hamstring which is likely to get plenty of publicity in the lead-up to Origin.With their friends and family among the sold-out crowd, the Broncos scored first when halfback Shaun Berrigan collected a late pass from centre Brent Tate to cross in the 12th minute. Eleven minutes later, video referee Eddie Ward confirmed that prop Petero Civoniceva had grounded the ball correctly, and the portents were unpleasant for the Knights. If not for a couple of prescient intercepts by centre Mark Hughes, the visitors would have been down by more.  But winger Anthony Quinn had a try disallowed four minutes from half-time and shortly afterwards Brisbane should have scored from a Stuart Kelly kick except for a strange incident.  Winger Kelly and fullback Darren Lockyer were leading the race for the ball but, in their haste to get to it, seemed to shoulder each other out of the way.  Two minutes later, Hughes's quick pass to Quinn gave him a narrow corridor to his first try, which Johns converted magnificently from the sideline. Newcastle had been fortunate. But they made the most of their good fortune, Quinn completing his brace when he intercepted a Ben Ikin pass intended for Tate and raced 60 metres two minutes into the second half.  "It's the worst time to get scored on, right before half-time and then straight after half-time," Broncos coach Wayne Bennett said later.  Then Gidley sent winger Timana Tahu over on the right side - there looked to be a forward pass in the lead-up - and with a bit of luck the Knights mighht have notched their third try in six minutes, centre Matt Gidley denied by the video referee.  But Gidley got on the scoresheet anyway when Tahu brilliantly sucked in two defenders before offloading 10 minutes later and, at 26-12, the Broncos party was officially pooped and the big crowd fell silent. "The first half was our half and they dominated the second half," said Bennett. "And we gave it to them pretty easily." 
Brisbane lost their first game at ANZ Stadium in 1993, too, to Parramatta.  "[But] it was everything it's been promising to be and more." Knights coach Michael Hagan, a former Queensland Origin five-eighth, was another in awe of the $280 million venue, despite its sandy surface.  "I can now go and see my family with a smile on my face for the first time in 15 years, instead of tripping over my lip for the entire time," he said, returning to the celebrating Newcastle dressing room. 

Johns class shines through -  By PAUL KENT,  02 Jun 2003 
EVEN with the opening of Suncorp Stadium, with Andrew Johns running out for his 200th first-grade game, with Newcastle having never won in Brisbane and the Broncos having never lost at their new home ground, we should have known it was a day for more than milestones.  With turmoil swirling around him, Johns went back to football to make the world right again. 
And boy, how he did it.  Johns was not the Knights' best player - he kept them together. "He does every wweek," Mark Hughes said.  The Broncos went after the halfback early, running at him at every opportunity to make him work in defence and take the sting out of his attack, and Johns didn't turn away from the fight. He worked like a brickie's labourer and soaked up whatever Brisbane took to him, and then after a 10-minute freshener at halftime he came back and gave it back to them at double the dosage. "Intensity," Brisbane skipper Gorden Tallis said. It was sparked by Anthony Quinn scoring late in the first half. Moments earlier Darren Lockyer and Stuart Kelly had knocked each other out of the way in diving for a try and the 12-point turnaround proved fatal. "We go into halftime at 16-4 and they're not looking like breaking the line," Tallis said. "They've got two penalty goals." 
Following the break Quinn intercepted a loose Ben Ikin pass and 50m later he was touching down and Newcastle had an unlikely lead.  From the following kickoff the Knights were in again, after Danny Buderus broke through the middle and was tackled some 40m later. The Knights moved the ball wide and Timana Tahu snuck over in the corner after Johns cut out three players to find Matt Gidley, who scooped it in one hand, and offloaded to Tahu.  The Knights had found an avenue and they attacked it again and again.  Gidley would score himself down that corridor and Tahu would stretch out for another one. 
The Knights had geared themselves for a big start to the game, knowing the occasion would naturally rev Brisbane up. 
The Broncos didn't disappoint and virtually owned the first half with a gritty defensive display, Newcastle only able to score through two Johns penalty goals. But the skipper was keeping them together by putting variety in their play and kicking intelligently. Blunted by the slog of defence, he was playing smart in attack, conserving himself.  Coach Michael Hagan dismissed the past week as a distraction for Johns, even though he had dominated the headlines over his feud with NSW coach Phil Gould.  "He doesn't have to answer to anybody," Hagan said.  "It's about our football team and what we want to get out of our season. So he doesn't have to answer to anybody in our eyes.   "He's a great leader by virtue of what he does, not what he says." 
And he showed it, on a day when he had so much to play for - and when Brisbane did, too.  And even stripped of the glitter surrounding the opening, the match was displaying all the traits of a game to remember.  "We just came here to get the job done and get our season back on track," Hagan said.  Defence dominated early. Both sides worked through their sets and tackled; breaks were few, and accordingly the first points came after Tonie Carroll was put on report for a lifting tackle on NSW hopeful Josh Perry. Johns kicked the penalty goal.  Shaun Berrigan put Brisbane ahead 6-2 and the Knights scored next, but it came at a price.  Following a Johns penalty goal, the Broncos kicked off and from the first hit-up Steve Simpson was crushed in a tackle from Petero Civoniceva, buckling like a cheap Datsun. They later said it was ribs, with Simpson not returning.   "Our performance was no comparison between the first and second half," Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett said. "Theirs was 50 per cent better again in the second half."

Andrews Achievements - Mark Hughes
Friday, 6 June 2003 - Mark Hughes
You can add two hundred first grade games to Andrew Johns' long list of achievements. What a brilliant player he has been for the Knights, NSW and Australia over the years. But you don't want me to go on about his achievements, you would much rather read about the important stuff like his two Border Collie dogs named Molly and Walter.  Like Robbie O, Joey has owned a few race horses which unfortunately did not achieve anywhere near the results he has on the sporting field. His most satisfying win was a few years ago when his trotter got up and won paying $25. It beat the favourite in the race that was owned by brother Matthew, Adam Muir, Steve Crowe and Tony Butterfield. Just to rub it in after the race Joey was waving $50 notes around his head to keep him cool. 
If we play on a Friday night a crew of us often head to Newcastle races to try our luck. One early morning we decided to head to the stables to see our good mate Chris Lees' horses train. Tipster Jock Gollogally was doing a bit of TV work around the stables. A horse walked past us, Joey gave the animal a swift slap on the bum. The impact of the slap caused the horse to spray half a dozen nuggets like a machine gun straight on our mate Jock. After much laughter Joey then informed Jock that was payback for his poor tips.
Joey is a also great surfer, he lives straight across the road from the beach and will often rush home from training just to get amongst the surf. On the field Joey is the ultimate competitor and it's not different of it. He loves a game of tennis, often having battles with Bedsy and I in a round robin format. He will chase the ball like a mongrel dog often ending up sprawled out on the court, he makes you earn every point. His poor racket cops the blame at times. He also loves his cricket. Whilst injuries have limited his career he has snuck a few games in with the mighty Merewether 5th Grade. About 12 months ago I filled in for one game with him. Leading into it we would go to the nets regularly for some intense practice. He even brought a new ball and asked me to rip in as hard as I could. With the new ball in hand I got a little excited, dropped the ball in a little short and struck him in the forearm which was right in front of his nose. Typical of Joey, he battled on, but I must say I unsettled him a little bit. On the game day we were 4 for 15 chasing 90 to win. Joey came out swinging. Two balls later he was on his way, caught on the boundary. He had rage and his bat reached his bag 20 metres before he did. 
Joey also loves soccer, rates himself just between you and me. Whenever the Newcastle United boys train at the same ground as us he has a spring in his step. We had a session with them once and he was tearing in. If he wasn't shooting at the goal he was screaming demanding the ball, even off the soccer boys. He did one good shot and then had the hide to yell at their Coach Ian Crook "Did you see that Crookie?". Whilst the soccer boys laughed I can tell you he was fair dinkum. 
Joey just loves being around the boys. He loves getting together for lunch. His favourite is pasta from Little Swallows or a toasted chicken sandwich from Euro Patisserie with tomato sauce. He loves a social drink, of course I just go with him to make sure that he is okay. 
With his high profile it sometimes proves a little difficult for him. It rammed home to me late last year at Matt Gidley's bucks show. It was the early hours of the morning and somehow we ended up at a rather alternate hotel. There were all walks of life there and the thing was they all knew Joey. All he wanted was a few quiet drinks but he kept getting bailed up. There were Irish backpackers, pommies and to top it off a drunken Chinese transvestite who wanted a chat. I'm not sure what the subject was, maybe she or he wanted to nut out some salary cap issues. We weren't hanging around, it was time to go! 
Also, after our trial this year in Cairns we went out and Joey was spotted by two blokes from Papua New Guinea. All night they were dancing around him screaming "Andrew Jooooooooohns, Andrew Jooooooooohns". Eventually they both pulled out there wallets and made it quite clear that they didn't have a cent between them. Joey who is always charitable felt sorry for them and gave them a $50 note with the strict orders to get themselves a drink each and to bring back the change. Their eyes lit up and of they went to the bar and we never saw them again. Joey claims that is the best $50 he has ever spent. 
He can tell a great story and has plenty of them. He can have a group hanging off his every word. But at times he is guilty of exaggerating minor details just to dress up the yarn a little. An early example of this was the night before the 1993 Reserve Grade major Semi-Final. The boys were in camp in Sydney and Joey went to bed extra early due to a case of diarrhoea. The next morning he dragged himself down to breakfast with his eyes hanging out of his head. He claimed to have visited the toilet at least 60 times that night and how he had just weighed himself and lost 12 kgs. No doubt a little exaggerated. For the record he went out and played and had a blinder. 
Another story that springs to mind is last year where he had the privilege of meeting Kylie Minogue in Sydney. It was just a quick meet that is a great story in itself but obviously not jazzed up enough for our Joey. Since that meeting he has been over heard telling anyone willing to listen how Kylie was feeding him asparagus sticks and continuously pestering him for his phone number. Since my recent date with Kyle’s at the MTV Awards there has been a bit of sour grapes shown from Joey towards me. In summing up Andrew, he has worked extremely hard for his achievements. He has a great family around him and loves spending time with young Samuel. For a man of his stature he is such a down to earth humble larrikin who never forgets his grass roots. He has a lot of good mates in and out of football and take the tip from me he is one of the best blokes you'll meet. 

Johns a hard act to follow -  smh,  07 Jun 2003 
In the countdown to Origin I, Andrew Johns has been re-assessing how he should approach the big games and pondering his very future in the game. WHAT will they say when it is finally over? Will they say he was the best ever? The one they couldn't tame? What happens when there comes a day when we are all a little older, and hopefully a little smarter, and some young kid not yet born looks at us and asks, What was he like?   We will reach back into our memory and say . . . what? What do you say about Andrew Johns?   He has been thinking about it himself lately. Just the other day he sat downstairs in the NSW team hotel, his hair wet from a shower, his face clean-shaven, and his eyes looking like he has done it every bit as tough as the past month suggests. "It's just . . . when you start losing you get doubts," he says. "And you wake up the next day and you're that sore. And you start doubting yourself. 'Am I still playing well enough?' 
"I don't want to undo the good work I've done. It goes through your head when you lose." 
Truth is, even he doesn't know when it will end. There is as much chance it will be this year as there is it will be five, six years from now. It is a decision he wrestles with from time to time, something that occasionally gets the better of him, like it has lately. There was the argument with Phil Gould, which he says is over. Before that was the two-week suspension, some frustrating losses, the constant attention. "I haven't read a paper for three weeks," he says. Johns is purposely talking everything down. With the Gould feud still fresh, he remembers what happened last winter when he also went into the series amid controversy.   During a press conference he said Origin remained his last unconquered land, and that he wanted to dominate Origin like Wally Lewis did.  The Queenslanders, always on the hunt for homespun motivation, claimed no-one could ever replace Lewis in Origin - which isn't what Johns said - and they said he was kidding himself, comparing himself to Lewis. They used it against him, even though he was in fact paying homage to the Queensland great. 
"It was just an off the cuff remark that blew up and put undue pressure on me," says Johns, saying this year, "I'm not saying nothing."  So you point out that first game afterward Johns was the best player in what turned out to be his best game of the series. It fails to stir a reaction. Given his past month and the amplified hype of Origin, he remains careful and aware that simple quotes can mushroom. Away from that, though, he will admit he has learned from Lewis. 
Gould has been speaking to him about coming into the game late, the long-held theory being that Johns will come at you from the start and, if you can stay in the game for the first 15 or 20 minutes, then you stand a chance of winning. So Gould has spoken to him about saving himself, along similar lines that Knights coach Michael Hagan has been working on over the years, flattening the hills and valleys between the Knights brilliant periods and flat periods.  Johns has watched Lewis on video, and seen that sometimes Lewis does little for much of the game before coming into it when the game is there to be won.  "It's important in my position that I'm going a bit quicker with 20 to go when the game's on the line," he says. "It's all about quality possession and knowing when. Blokes have spoken to me about how Wally would play he'd just walk around, directing play, but one of his best attributes was when he wanted the ball he always got it. I understand now how great a player he was." 
So he won't say it, but you can almost see him thinking. He was at work on it during the week, talking to his Blues team-mates, putting the information away for when it might be needed late in the game.  "I ask the players where they like to get the ball," he says, "whether they like to get it late or early. What foot they like to come off, things like that. "You think about the game during the week. That way if you're going to the line with Phil Bailey or Fitzy [Craig Fitzgibbon] you've got a blueprint in your mind of what they like." 
The answer is in the details. That's what you better have ready when some young kid not yet born looks at you and asks, What was he like?   Tell him not only about the kicks Johns copyrighted but the way they changed the game, from tactical and percentage ploys into true scoring plays. Tell him about how he would custom shape an attack, giving all 12 team-mates a role to play and that he would simply get the ball to them. Tell him about taking the ball to the line. About his front-on defence. 
About a passing game that contained so many subtleties even the best around him couldn't fully grasp it. That he knew he could beat a player simply by the way he held the ball. And if the kid still can't get what Andrew Johns was about tell him about what he himself nominated that was, to him, the absolute essence of what football was about. That one pure moment he would like to live again and again if he had to choose one. "Defence," he says. "In defence, when everyone is tearing in. "You're that solid with all your mates, everyone is talking to each other and you just know you're not going to let anyone through. You [itals]know[end] the defence is going to hold up.  "You look at the games when you do that," he says. "The crowd goes berserk."  How much longer he plays for is not certain, even Johns not sure when it will be finally over. But it makes you wonder, what will they say when it is finally over?   They will say they wished it never had to end.

Johns has nothing to prove: Gould  -  7sport.com.au,  05 June 2003 
NSW captain Andrew Johns admits his failure to dominate at State of Origin level still burns at him - but NSW coach Phil Gould says the world's best player has nothing to prove.   Johns, a veteran of 18 matches for NSW, has been the best player in the world for the past three years, but acknowledges he is yet to leave his imprint on an Origin series. The 29-year-old has won only two man of the match awards since making his Origin debut in 1995, including one in the opening game of last season.  But just as Johns threatened to dominate last year's series, he was forced to take a back seat as Queensland won game two and retained the Origin shield with a draw in game three.  His plight was made worse because he went public with his desire to dominate Origin prior to the series.  Understandably, he has been gun-shy about making any bold predictions in the lead-up to this year's series and Gould believes his playmaker will keep his ambitions to himself.
"Any player that comes out with that sort of statement puts a lot of pressure on himself," Gould said. "I think Joey put unfair pressure on himself to do that.  I don't think you'll be hearing him saying that sort of thing this year."
But the signs are there that Johns is building towards a big Origin series. The Newcastle star orchestrated the Knights' win over Brisbane on Sunday at Suncorp Stadium - a timely return to form ahead of the Origin opener.  "I don't think he's got anything to prove to anyone Andrew Johns," Gould said.  "He's a great player. It just comes down to personal ambition now with him - what he sees as important - and I know he sees this series as very important.  But you saw last Sunday that he's really getting back to his best form and I hope he carries it right through the series."

Daley head to head with Joey
By LAURIE DALEY and ANDREW JOHNS -  8 Jun 2003 
LAURIE DALEY: The big question all the girls want answered at the moment is what is happening with the hair?
ANDREW JOHNS: When my girlfriend first started going out with me, she said that my hair made me look like the lead singer of a gay boy band. That was a good enough reason to change it. 
LD: Phil Bailey reckons you are just copying him. Any truth in that? 
AJ: None. Actually, I think Bails is losing his. Not having it cut in a while is part of a cover up. 
LD: As far as bonding sessions go, how did Monday night stack up with previous camps? 
 AJ: It was good fun. It's always a good night on that first day in camp. All the boys are excited and we have a few beers with each other. It's great. 
LD: You have not uttered the "D" word - for "dominant" - anywhere this season in relation to Origin. Do you feel you put yourself under too much pressure last season after the media jumped all over it? 
AJ: Mate, it was just a comment. It was something that was said and they went into a frenzy over it. I'm under enough pressure as it is without putting any more on myself, so I'm just keeping my mouth shut. 
LD: Tell us about Suncorp Stadium. Have you played in a stadium with that sort of atmosphere before? 
AJ: Probably Old Trafford and Wembley are right up there. But without a doubt next Wednesday will be totally different to what we experienced in the Broncos game (last Sunday). I expect it to be one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments. 
LD: I've been doing a lot of one-on-one work with Shaun Timmins. How do you think I'm going (laughing)? 
AJ: (laughs) What sort of one-on-one work are you talking about? No, seriously, I'm surprised at how easy Timmo has slotted in. I suppose he has played with a good player over the years in Trent (Barrett) and just watching him go about his work would have helped. I was blown away by how easy he picked it up. I'm really pleased with how we are combining. 
LD: It has always been said that Queensland are the "owners" of passion when it comes to State of Origin. What do you think of that? 
AJ: I think that's just crap that gets thrown up in the media. We have as much passion for our jumpers as they do. 
LD: What were you thinking when you saw me make my Origin debut in 1989? Geez, I'm giving myself a wrap here! 
AJ: I just loved those shoulder pads you wore in those days. 
LD: The mullet? 
AJ: I loved the mullet. Actually, I'd love to look at your hair then and see how it compares to Reg Reagan's. 
LD: When did you first think 'I want to play Origin'? 
AJ: I don't know to be honest. When I was young I wasn't the best player going around because I didn't grow till later. It was probably the year I got my opportunity, 1995, when I really wanted it. It probably came before my time, like a lot of players (because of the Super League split), but it definitely improved me out of sight and once I got the opportunity I wanted to stay there. 
LD: What does captaining the Blues mean to you? 
AJ: It's probably the ultimate challenge as a player and I really enjoy the responsibility of leading the guys around. 
LD: Who's the Queensland danger man? 
AJ: Darren Lockyer. He has no weaknesses. 
LD: What's the best sledge you have heard at Origin level? 
AJ: There's not too much sledging going on because obviously the players respect each other and it's just so fast. You are just too knackered to say anything. But I've heard some ones between Boxhead (Steve Walters) and Benny (Elias) were pretty good. What was the one at the scrum? 
LD: There was one scrum to go before the end of the game and Box said "don't hurt me in this one Benny, I've got a Test match to play next week"! 
AJ: Very good, very good. 
LD: Who has been the funniest team-mate in camp? 
AJ: Phil Bailey's a bit of a character. He has a one-liner for everything. 
LD: Why does State of Origin capture so much of the public's attention? 
AJ: I just think it means so much to people and, as a spectacle, it doesn't get any better - it has everything. Most of all it is just brutal. People love the physical contact of it. And there's just so much at stake. You walk around this week and everyone's just buzzing about it. I haven't seen a buzz like this for years. I can't wait. 
LD: When you first came into Origin as a player . . . did I say anything that still stands out? 
AJ: Actually, I remember we roomed together one year . . . 
LD: About footy stuff (laughs)! 
AJ: I think we'd lost the first game and the first night at the next camp you said 'come on mate, we'll take it easy on the bonding this time'. I said 'yeah, fair enough Lozz'. Anyway, I went down to dinner and as I looked around I saw you and next to you were six empty beers (laughing)! I took it on board and remembered it.

Johns takes up brush for charity -  Daily Telegraph
He has been admired for his artistry on the football field.  Now the world's best player has turned his inspiration to the canvas - for charity.  Andrew Johns, who will lead the NSW Blues into battle against QLD in State of Origin II on Wednesday night at Telstra Stadium, has lent his support to a celebrity art exhibition auction to aid Father Chris Riley's Youth Off The Streets organisation.  He has painted tow abstracts that are sure to attract attention at the auction on July 30.  "I don't think Leonardo has anything to worry about". Johns said.  "But it is for a great cause in the Youth Off The Streets program and hopefully they will riase some money at the auction. I think it was Colin Love (Australian Rugby League chairman) who made the approach and I was only too happy to do it.  It was aot of fun, actually.  I'm not sure where I got the inspiration for my designs from, but I picked up a few tips off my young son. Samuel." 
The exhibition will also feature works from Mikey Robins, Margaret Whitlam and Angry Anderson as well a host of other well known celebrities.  The auction will be held at the Establishment Hotel in the Sydney CBD from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.  Could Johs be now looking at art as a career after his playing days are over?
I'll be hanging up the brush well before I hang up the boots, he said 
Joey's team-mate, Michale De Vere, is also doing his best for charity in the lead-up to the game II. Last week he launched a goalkicking tee named Sharpshooter, with his royalties going to charity.

Last year no motivation: Johns -  9 June 2003
NSW captain Andrew Johns insists the Blues won't use last year's heart-breaking series-deciding draw with Queensland as motivation ahead of the opening State of Origin game on Wednesday night.  The Blues looked headed for a series victory in 2002 until rampaging Queensland second rower Dane Carlaw crossed with less than a minute remaining on the clock in Origin III, levelling the scores and ensuring the Maroons would retain the Origin shield.
That result shapes as ideal motivation for the Blues in the lead-up to series opener at Suncorp Stadium - but it won't be used according to Johns.  That's not motivation. It was a drawn series. It hasn't been talked about  "That's not motivation," Johns said. "It was a drawn series. It hasn't been talked about." 
At least the Blues won't have to worry about another drawn result this season, with Australian Rugby League officials introducing the golden point for all three games.  Unlike the NRL, which has already had two golden point games, the Origin series has no limit on extra time, with games played until there is a result.  "It's been great this year," Johns said of the NRL golden point games.  But hopefully we play well enough that it won't go to extra time."
Johns and his Newcastle teammates have already played on the ground, spoiling Brisbane's homecoming party two weeks ago with a 32-22 win.  But Johns is expecting a more hostile reception for the Blues. "As I said it's going to be a different atmosphere," Johns said.  "It's going to be a bit more hostile."

Johns can't rest before Origin Everest -  10 June 2003
It seems fitting that less than two weeks after the 50th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary's conquering of Mt Everest, Andrew Johns will lead NSW into the State of Origin series. It's not that the two events can be compared.  Hillary changed the way we look at the world, Johns is simply a rugby league player, albeit one of the best to have graced the sporting fields in this country. But on Wednesday night Johns will take the first step towards conquering his very own Everest - Origin football. For a man who has achieved everything the game has to offer, Origin has been strangely, and frustratingly, challenging.  "I don't think he's got anything to prove to anyone Andrew Johns," NSW coach Phil Gould said.  "He's a great player. It comes down to personal ambition now with him - what he sees as important - and I know he sees this series as very important."
Gould is on the money. Make no mistake - Johns sees Origin as being very important. In a pre-season interview with AAP, Johns conceded it was the one mountain he still wanted to climb. "I just want to play well at Origin level and make my mark there, Johns said at the time. I just want to win a series. It still burns at me so we'll see how it goes this year. Winning premierships is my one big goal, but that's probably a photo finish second, making my mark at Origin."
It's something Johns has been struggling to do since breaking into interstate football as a 20-year-old in 1995.  He made a promising start at halfback in NSW's famous 2-0 loss to the Maroons at the Sydney Football Stadium, but he was out of the team by game three as Paul Vautin's squad of no-names stunned the Blues.
In 1996 and 1997 he was forced to play hooker, 1998 and 1999 he was back at halfback but in 2000 he lost the No.7 jersey to Brett Kimmorley and was shunted onto the interchange bench. The following year he didn't even make an appearance due to knee trouble, but last year he was back at halfback and captain and ready to conquer his demons.  Johns said before game one he was desperate to dominate a series - the way Wally Lewis did during the 1980s.
He did it in Origin I, winning the second man of the match award of his 18-match career as the Blues took a 1-0 series lead with a 32-4 victory. But Queensland dominated Origin II and drew the third match to retain the series and Johns' impact was minimal. This year he will begin the series with high hopes despite a woeful preparation blighted by a clash with Gould and some indifferent early season form. But all indications are he's getting back to his best, an ominous sign for the Maroons. "We have really gelled together this week," Johns said. "Everything has been done. Now we just have to put the finishing touches on it."

Trying to shut down Joey  -  11 June 2003
How do the Maroons shut down Andrew Johns?
It is a question that has been asked by tens of thousands of Queenslanders in the lead-up to tonight's first Origin clash and, according to the experts, the short answer is: they can't. Last year Johns made headlines when he said he wanted to dominate Origin just like Wally Lewis did in 31 matches for Queensland. Yesterday Lewis reluctantly addressed the question of shutting down the man they call Joey.  "I'd rather leave it to Wayne Bennett to be honest," Lewis said. "You can't shut down a player with the skill and talent of Andrew Johns. All you can do is restrict his opportunities and deny him space.
"First off, you can never afford to move out of alignment against him. Probably the thing the Broncos didn't do a couple of weeks ago; they didn't deny him time, especially time to kick in the second half. He's probably the most skilful kicker in the game. If you allow him extra time to place his kicks where he wants them, you're cutting your own throat.
"One of the two men in the marker position has to sprint out every time from marker. P.J. Marsh would be the best because he has the speed to get out and put Johns under pressure. At the same time one of the guys around has to make sure the referee is conscious of NSW players trying to block the Queensland chasers."
One of the greatest Queensland defenders, Gary Larson, believes one way to blunt Johns would be to "keep him looking. You want him having a look before he does anything," said Larson, a veteran of 24 Origin matches. "To do that you have to make sure that after every kick, every pass, he ends up on the ground. You want him knowing that someone is out to get him.
Another noted defender in 22 games and coach in a 3-nil Queensland series win is Paul Vautin. He agrees with Lewis that Johns cannot be shut down, but he can be "tempered. He's like Wally," he said. "A great player who cannot be shut down but you can take steps to lessen the influence he has on the game. One thing I would do is nullify his runners. Come up in a straight line and block any holes.  Close the holes up and he hasn't got as many options. I'd let him run himself and make sure you put him on the ground."
Another former Queensland Origin player - and present assistant coach - who probably has some ideas on shuttingg down Johns is Knights coach Michael Hagan - but he isn't telling.  As Johns revealed on Monday: "I made him promise on his family that he wouldn't give away any secrets."

BLUE MURDER -  12 June 2003
NSW 25 - Queensland 12
NSW last night ruined Queensland's return to the Couldron. PAUL KENT reports.
ANDREW Johns dominated.  Say what you like Queensland, but Johns last night continued his bid, now private, to dominate Origin football.  Around Johns' performance, the Blues last night took Queensland's home ground advantage away from them and now must only win at home in Sydney to secure the series.  It was the first time an away team had won since the 2000 series. They did it in front of 52,420 gut-sick Queenslanders.  And it came because, in the end, Queensland simply wore out.  After an attempted intercept by Steve Price gave the Blues six more tackles, Shaun Timmins marched the ball upfield against failing resistance. The Blues then worked it until Johns fired a cut-out pass past Luke Ricketson and on to Craig Wing's chest, Wing stepping past two players to score under the posts.  It sent the Blues ahead 18-12, and when they followed that up with an 80m march and then a successful kick in-goal, the momentum had swung NSW's way. The Blues were dominating field position and when Johns kicked the field to put the Blues ahead 19-12, Queensland heads sunk. It was over. Johns didn't need to score the final try, for the final 25-12 scoreline, to make his point.  But Blues fans were glad he did.  Until then we had seen the best of Gorden Tallis, who scored one try and nearly another. Queensland were simply better when he was on the field. But most of all we saw the Blues step on to a hostile pitch and we saw all of them stand up. Timmins, a surprise selection in the No.6, was outstanding. So was Johns. Luke Bailey worked and worked, perhaps only outdone by Ricketson.  In the end it came down to the missed chances as much as the made ones.  Tallis' second opportunity being called back for a knock on. Luke Bailey being denied a try after following through a Johns kick.  Johns making a clear break and kicking left when he had an unmarked Wing on his right. But it was a night of outstanding football. 
NSW 25 (A Minichiello 2, C Wing, A Johns tries; A Johns 4 goals, field goal) QUEENSLAND 12 (D Lockyer, G Tallis tries; D Lockyer 2 goals) at Suncorp Stadium. Referee: B. Harrigan. Crowd: 52,420.  NSW lead series 1-0. Origin II at Telstra Stadium June 25.

What rift? Victory sealed with a kiss -  By Steve Mascord,  June 12 2003
Queensland 12 NSW 25
Victorious NSW coach Phil Gould kissed skipper Andrew Johns on the forehead after the halfback's demolition of Queensland last night in Origin I, prompting the celebrated player to quip: "What rift?"  The Blues went one up in the State of Origin series when Johns inspired the 25-12 win over Queensland in front of 52,420 fans at the refurbished $280 million Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.  After demoralising the Broncos in the so-called "soft" opening of the venue 10 days ago while playing for Newcastle, Johns set up three tries, scored one himself, kicked four goals and a field goal in a memorable performance. Not only was Queensland's big night ruined by the halfback but luckless three-quarter Justin Hodges appears likely to miss the rest of the season with cruciate ligament damage to his knee.
After promising to "dominate" last year's series, only for Queensland to retain the Origin shield, Johns wouldn't use the word following last night's game.  Gould, said to be at odds with his captain during a team meeting last month, then said: "well done, mate" and planted a kiss on his forehead during the post-match media conference.  After the "what rift" remark, Johns added: "I'd have kissed you too, Gus, if the lights were out."
Johns went on: "Within the team, there was no controversy and, if anything, it bonded us together. When you have that sort of thing, you can go one of two ways. You can splinter or it can make you closer."  Johns scored 13 points to inspire his team to the first Origin to be held at the old Lang Park since May 2001, and the first win by an away team since NSW took out the series 3-0 in 2000. 

Joey, Mad Dog slay Dragons
By Brad Walter and Steve Mascord,  June 14 2003
Knights 32 Dragons 30
After kicking Newcastle to a breathtaking win in his 201st first-grade game last night, Andrew Johns admitted that before kick-off he hadn't felt like playing. Johns snatched the 32-30 victory with a sideline conversion after the full-time siren following Adam MacDougall's third try in a triumphant return for the former Test winger after almost two years on the sidelines with injury.
Marking fellow comeback king Nathan Blacklock, who scored two tries for the Dragons in his first NRL appearance since returning from rugby union, MacDougall completed his hat-trick with just 30 seconds left on the clock to leave Johns the pressure touchline conversion. It was a gripping finish to a tense and controversial evening, in which Knights prop Josh Perry's Origin spot was placed in jeopardy after he was put on report for striking Lance Thompson with his forearm.  Perry and Johns were also penalised for back-to-back high tackles on Thompson as tempers boiled over between the two sides in the second half - Johns and Mark Riddell trading insults on one occasion as the Dragons hooker lined up a shot at goal.
"I've had a hard couple of weeks and tonight I didn't feel like playing," Johns told thousands of fans who stayed around to see him accept a centenary medal and a presentation for becoming only the third Knight to play 200 games for the club. But when I got here tonight and saw the support of all of you, it made me want to play."
The win completed a superb week for the halfback, who led NSW to victory last Wednesday night with a brilliant performance.  Newcastle coach Michael Hagan said: "That was a fair end to the script for Joey - he certainly proved what he can do. You run out of superlatives . . . genius comes to mind.  "It was yet another memorable moment in his career . . . He's achieved a lot in the last fortnight . . . I'm surprised he had enough energy to kick the goal in the end."
"We won and lost the game three or four times," Hagan said. Dragons coach Nathan Brown said his only small consolation was that his father had backed Blacklock to be the first tryscorer, while MacDougall revealed Hagan had predicted before the game he would score a hat-trick.  "He told me tonight that he thought I'd score three tries," MacDougall said. "But mate I was just happy to get through three minutes of the game without getting hurt tonight so that was the main thing for me. There's no better feeling than having a win with the boys, you forget how good a feeling it is."
NEWCASTLE 32 (A MacDougall 3 A Johns M Hughes A Quinn tries; A Johns 4 goals) bt ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA 30 (N Blacklock 2 M Cooper 2 J Ryles tries; M Riddell 3 B Firman 2 goals). Referee: S Hampstead. Crowd: 18,233

Johns in rage over sledge on his sister  - The Sun Herald, June 15 2003
Newcastle matchwinner Andrew Johns had one of the finest weeks of his career ruined by a deeply insulting on-field sledge from Mark Riddell that has him seeing red.  Johns, still fuming about the sledge that targeted his sister Kate, was refusing to speak to the media about what was said.  Andrew Voss of Channel Nine asked Johns about the sledge after the match on Friday night, but Johns refused to comment. He did not return calls yesterday.  Johns told teammates in the Newcastle rooms on Friday night that he would square up with Riddell, who showed "no f---ing respect".   In an amazing show of emotion, even for the highly charged Johns, he ran at least 20 metres down the field to push Riddell in the back of the head. It is believed Riddell was responding to a comment from Johns about his recent weight gain.  "Joey called him a fat c--- and then Mark went at him about his sister," one Dragons player said.  It is understood Johns was still hurt by the comment yesterday and won't be easy to bring around.  Riddell rang Johns's brother Matthew to let him know he was sorry for his comment.  "Mark rang up and said he regretted what was said," Matthew said.  "I could tell he was sincere in what he said and he meant it.  I think what was said happened in the heat of the moment. He wants me to pass on his apology to Andrew and I'll be doing that when I speak to him. "I know that the comments that were made were of a very personal nature and I can understand exactly why Andrew was upset by the whole thing. He would have taken some satisfaction out of the win."
Matthew Johns told 2SM the sledging from Riddell would have inspired a tired Andrew to lift his side to victory.   Riddell was staying quiet about what he had said to enrage the NSW skipper.  "Mate, what happens on the field stays on the field," he said. "I won't be saying what happened. Anything that is said out there should be between the players.  I don't have any drama with Joey, none at all. I don't know what he is feeling because I have not talked to him."

Johns promises more -  By DEAN RITCHIE,  20 June 2003
DESPITE his mesmerising performance in Origin I, NSW captain Andrew Johns last night admitted he "could have done more".  Johns produced one of the great Origin displays in Brisbane which included a try, two try assists, 19 kicks in general play and kicking four goals. But still the champion halfback remains unfulfilled. Johns said a big effort in the opening game counted for little unless he could repeat the performance next Wednesday night in Sydney. "I was happy with aspects of my game [in Origin I] but as I said you can always do more," Johns said. "But it's how you come up the second time isn't it?  As a team we missed opportunities and I missed opportunities when I could have done some more with the ball. I want to play well but first of all I want the team to win. You have to put the team's performance ahead of individual performances. I'd like to think we can play better in the second and third games."
Johns said the team's 25-12 victory at Suncorp Stadium could be bettered. "I thought we played great in the first game but there are areas we can improve on," Johns said.  "Everyone in the side could put their hand up and say they could have done more, whether it be attack or defence. That's what we'll be looking for next Wednesday night."
Former NSW greats last week hailed Origin I as the greatest since the inaugural match back in 1980. Johns said playing in the match made it difficult to be a judge. "I spoke to my brother [Matthew] about the game and he reckons it was the best game of footy he has watched," Johns said. "But in playing it didn't feel that special. Because we've only seen edits on video and not the full match it's hard to put a gauge on it. But rugby league in general is flying at the moment. Look at the games over the weekend. The matches have been great to watch and it's good to see the Origin is a sell-out already. I'm hanging for the game."
Johns stressed his side did not want to lose focus in Sydney and be forced to win the series back in enemy territory. "We want to wrap the series up," Johns said. "We played well in Brisbane but Origin history suggests it's always hard to string two in a row and I'm sure Queensland will make it tough for us to do that. But I've enjoyed the first few days of camp. We'll be right in the second game - there'll be no excuses."  Johns trained yesterday despite failing to finish the previous day's session because of a calf strain. It's a bit sore but it's all right," Johns said.

Joey retains family ritual -  By Natalie Williams,  25 June 2003
What will NSW captain Andrew Johns be doing while the rest of NSW waits nervously for kick off in tonight's State of Origin II?   He will be having a cup of tea and a chat with his mum and dad, Gayle and Gary Johns. And definitely not talking about football.  It's a ritual the trio use to calm down before the big games.  But it is more to settle the nerves of Mr and Mrs Johns than those of the world's greatest player. "We'll see him a few hours before the game," said Mrs Johns, who has been watching her son play since he was barely four.  We sit down with him and have a cup of tea and chat. We don't really need to say anything, just being with him is good for all of us.  We end up talking about anything but football. We are more nervous than him. He's usually watching a bit of TV - often the horse racing.  Just before the Brisbane match [State of Origin I] he sent his dad out to put a couple of bets on for him. I think he did all right out of it, too."
Gary and Gayle Johns were travelling to Sydney from their Cessnock, Hunter Valley, home by car with friends this morning. They hoped to reach their hotel at Rosehill mid-morning and then "find somewhere nice" to have some lunch.  Then they were due to meet up with their son in Parramatta for that traditional cup of tea. 

Young Johns's health scare -  June 26 2003
NSW captain Andrew Johns revealed before last night's State of Origin game that a childhood condition almost stopped him playing rugby league.  In an interview with his brother Matthew aired on Channel Nine, the Blues star said he had to have both legs encased in plaster as a youngster after being diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease by a Newcastle Knights doctor. Osgood-Schlatter disease is one of the most common causes of knee pain in young athletes. 
It causes swelling and pain just below the knee. It occurs mostly in boys who are having a growth spurt during their pre-teen or teenage years, and is common in young athletes who play football, soccer or basketball.  At the time Johns was playing under-16s for the Knights and admitted he was battling pain for some time.  "At the time I was really struggling, I wasn't playing very good footy at all, but they picked me anyway," he said.  "It wasn't until I saw our club doctor and he got me in plaster - six weeks both legs," he said. "When hee said, 'six weeks each leg, plaster', I thought, 'no way in the world'. He said, 'it's either this or w hen you're 20, 21 you won't be able to run'."
The disease usually goes away over time but sometimes persists after a child stops growing.  However if a child plays through the pain, as Johns did, Osgood-Schlatter disease can get worse and may be more difficult to treat.