Tri time for Joey, says Bennett -  20 May, 2004
ANDREW JOHNS could be rushed into the Australian team for this year's Tri-Nations Test series if he can make it back on to the field for the NRL finals.  Australian coach Wayne Bennett indicated that if Johns -- recognised as the world's best player before he was sidelined in March with a season-ending knee injury - was fit, he would be back in the green and gold at the end of the year. He even hinted the halfback could be given some leeway, saying he would take into account what he thought Johns was capable of doing when the Tri-Nations kicks off on October 16. "If he's back playing football, everybody is in contention," Bennett said on a lightning visit to London to launch the Test series. It's a pretty easy decision to make. If he's playing like everybody else, he's available for selection, you judge him on what he's doing, what you think he can do." 
But Bennett refused to speculate whether a fit Johns could challenge fullback Darren Lockyer for the Kangaroos' captaincy. "I'm not going to get into that," he said. "Andrew has got to come back and play football first, when he does that we'll ask the next question." 
Johns is aiming for an early comeback from reconstructive knee surgery in time to lead the Knights into the finals if they make the top eight. He recently had an ankle-to-thigh brace removed from his leg and has begun a recovery program. 

Joey Johns head-to-head with his buddy Buderus - May 23, 2004, The Sunday Telegraph
Andrew Johns catches up with Knights team-mate and current Blues skipper Danny Buderus for a chat in the build-up to Origin I on Wednesday night.
ANDREW JOHNS: First up, congratulations – again.
DANNY BUDERUS: Thanks mate . . . big shoes to fill, eh.
AJ: Not sure about that but, just for the record, how big an influence have I been on your short captaining career?
DB: What can I say? You getting hurt has certainly helped (laughs). No mate, you've been a huge influence with advice and help. I don't break as many water bottles behind the try-line, though.
AJ: The thing that gets me is I pushed your captaincy barrow in this column and they still gave it to you anyway. You MUST be on side with the hierarchy.
DB: Just goes to show how much pull in the game you really do have.
AJ: What was your reaction when Phil Gould first approached and asked if you were interested in the job?
DB: He just ran it by me and I said it would be a great honour and that I would love to do it if I was given the opportunity. He didn't say there and then it was mine. I'm just nervous and excited all at the same time. 
AJ: It has been a controversial week but, that aside, was the camp any different this time around to previous Origin camps?
DB: Not really. You know what it's like. All the boys come into camp excited and it's a great time for everyone, although what happened has put a real dampener on things. For me, the added media stuff has been pretty full-on, which you would know all about. Heaps of interviews and photo shoots.
AJ: Nothing as in-depth as this though?
DB: Definitely not, no.
AJ: As captain, you get a room to yourself, which you'd be used to because you live alone now. Are there any emotional scars remaining from living with Knights team-mate Mark Hughes for five or six years?
DB: Emotionally, rejection is never easy but they say time heals all wounds. I have managed to put it behind me. There are no hard feelings between us now but I am still going to take him for 60 per cent in the divorce.
AJ: Not that I would know myself, but given you are rooming alone, have the in-house movies had a workout?
DB: Nah mate, there just hasn't been the time. I definitely haven't been watching the news, either.
AJ: Let's get a bit serious here. What motivates Danny Buderus in December before off-season training starts?
DB: Just the feeling of wanting to better myself. To be the best I can, the fittest I can. If I've had a good break, just being around the (Knights) boys again is motivation enough. That and making sure my body continues to look better than yours.
AJ: You must really work yourself hard?
DB: You set a tough pace.
AJ: Speaking of bodies, yours must take a hammering because of your massive workrate and the physical nature of the way you play. How's it holding up?
DB: Pretty good actually but it all comes down to how you manage it. There is a routine each week of rehab, massage, manipulation and rest that I follow and stick to to give myself the best possible chance of being in good shape come game day.
AJ: There were a few surprise selections, Ben Hornby for one.
DB: I guess so but he has been great in camp and he'll be great for us on the night. Just his communication and enthusiasm at the back has been spot on and I just think he is really going to stand up.
AJ: What will you be saying to the boys? Do you have a speech ready to go?
DB: I'll be taking a leaf out of your book mate and try and lead with my actions. I'll probably talk to some of the guys who haven't been there before to try and let them know what to expect. But there won't be any Churchillian speeches.
AJ: Leave that to Gus.
DB: Yeah.
AJ: Okay, what about the game itself. How will the Blues knock over Queensland on Wednesday night?
DB: We'll be looking to try and move them around a fair bit but, basically, you know what it's all about. We have to be more enthusiastic than them and hungrier.
AJ: Spoken like a true captain who is not about to give anything away.
DB: Exactly.

Waratahs bid for Johns -  26 May, 2004
The Waratahs have launched their bid for rugby league's greatest talent, Andrew Johns, in a cross-code declaration of war in the countdown to State of Origin.  On the eve of the series opener in Sydney, NSW Rugby Union chairman Dilip Kumar told The Daily Telegraph the first steps to luring Johns from the 13-man game had been taken. He confirmed the injured Kangaroos star was being targeted to fill the flyhalf hole Waratahs bosses are convinced needs plugging for the franchise to make a genuine run at next year's Super 12 title. "Our chief executive (Fraser Neill) is hoping to get Johns and his management together with coach Ewen McKenzie this week," Kumar said. "We've also written a letter to the Australian Rugby Union this morning detailing our intentions and asking for their support. "Everything we do in relation to high-profile players requires ARU approval and their financial assistance. So that support is crucial." 
Considering Kumar is also ARU deputy chairman and an influential member of the ARU board, the go-ahead from the national body would appear a fait accompli.  "Despite all the speculation linking us with Johns, we haven't had a chat yet," Kumar said. "But we intend to speak to him and his management as soon as possible. We're very keen on getting the guy." 
The Waratahs leading the push for Johns's signature will suit ARU bosses, aware of the likely backlash if they are seen chasing more league players at the expense of grassroots products. The Wallabies have a band of flyhalves under contract heading towards the 2007 World Cup, including Stephen Larkham, Matt Giteau and Elton Flatley. But NSW's need for a world-class pivot has reached crisis point. Current options Shaun Berne and Tim Donnelly would not rank in the country's top four. Larkham, Giteau, Flatley and another Queenslander, Julian Huxley, would all be held in higher regard by Australian selectors. Johns looms as the Waratahs' only answer. The Daily Telegraph has been told senior NSW players have been canvassed on the idea and voiced their approval to the recruitment drive for a third highly paid convert. 

Johns won't rule out switch -  27 May, 2004
SUPERSTAR Andrew Johns last night confirmed a change of codes was "not out of the question" after giving the go-ahead for a meeting with NSW Waratahs rugby officials.  Johns, off contract with the Newcastle Knights at the end of the season, revealed he still had an open mind about his playing future and refused to rule out a switch from league to rugby.  A meeting with the Waratahs and Johns's manager John Fordham is likely to take place within the next fortnight provided the ARU gives the green light to provide financial backing to lure Johns. It is understood ARU officials were in top-level meetings last night discussing their response to calls of support from the Waratahs. 
"I'm happy to hear what they have to say if they want to meet," Johns said.  "I don't want to say too much more than that at this stage but nothing has been ruled out. I'm still talking to the Knights and things are progressing there but we will just have to see how it all pans out." 
In a day of dramatic developments:
* NSW Rugby chief executive Fraser Neill confirmed the Waratahs' interest in Johns during a telephone conversation with John Fordham. 
* The Newcastle Knights upped the ante in their bid to retain Johns with a new offer substantially greater than an opening offer put to him two months ago. 
* Johns refused to rule out a switch of codes. 
Knights chairman Michael Hill last night claimed the interest in Johns from rugby represented a "real threat". 
"If the ARU is genuinely interested in Andrew and he makes his decision purely based on money then, yes, it is a real threat to us," Hill said. "They have deeper pockets and don't have a salary cap. But in saying that, Andrew is very important to this club and we will be doing everything we possibly can to retain him." 
Fordham said he did not have a timetable in mind for Johns to reach a decision on his future. 
"I have received a revised offer from the Knights and have had a discussion with Fraser Neill this morning in relation to their interest in Andrew," he said. "Andrew has given me the go-ahead to meet with them, but at this stage I am waiting for them to get back to me on just when that will be." 
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones gave his cautious support to the recruitment of Johns despite leading figures in the Australian Rugby Union privately expressing their displeasure over the Waratahs' brazen chase for the star. "He's an exceptional player, there's no doubt about it," said Jones. If he really expressed a desire to play rugby, of course we'd look at him. But we'd have to work out that he wants to play the game first. Then take it from there." 
Others in the ARU were not so sure money should be directed at helping NSW poach the rival code's leading player. According to sources, there were concerns on two fronts - injury and age - as Neill put the Waratahs' case to the ARU yesterday. There are Australian officials worried that Johns might not present long-term value at the price he is likely to command, especially coming off serious neck and knee problems over the past two seasons. But NSWRU chairman Dilip Kumar is convinced Johns would be the answer to the five-eighth trouble spot the Waratahs are struggling to fill. As reported in yesterday's Daily Telegraph, Kumar explained: "We're very keen on getting the guy." 
The Waratahs need ARU backing if they are to sign the sidelined Kangaroo. NSW would be limited to paying Johns about $110,000 a season with the ARU providing any necessary top-up. And there are precedents for the national body to help out a Super 12 franchise. It is understood Queensland sought and received assistance in keeping Chris Latham while the ACT Brumbies did the same to pump up a contract for Owen Finegan.

Johns to stay in rugby league -  27 May, 2004 
Former Australian captain Andrew Johns today announced his decision to remain in rugby league at the same time as the Australian Rugby Union said it did not plan to pursue him. The NSW Waratahs had expressed interest in recruiting the Newcastle Knights star to fill their troublesome five-eighth position but needed the ARU to provide a substantial top-up on his salary.  However, the ARU decided the 30-year-old was too much of a risk considering his age and injury record - he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the early rounds of the NRL, making it the third season in a row he has failed to finish.
"Andrew's reputation as a gifted footballer is well-deserved but rugby is a different game, particularly for inside backs - there are issues of transition time against a background of Andrew's age and recent problems with injury," ARU acting chief executive Matt Carroll said in a statement. "There is enormous respect for Andrew in rugby, but the ARU has reached a view about the future."
Just 20 minutes earlier Johns's manager John Fordham announced that the halfback, widely acknowledged as the world's best rugby league player, had informed him of his decision to remain in the 13-man code.  "He considered it important to promptly address the situation so that it didn't become a long-running media issue," Fordham said.  " ... The result was his advice to me this morning that he wants to remain a rugby league player."
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has long been a fan of Johns but said he was happy with the ARU decision.  "There are a number of considerations made in terms of every player. We have made a decision and I'm happy with that," he said.
However, Jones said he was sure Johns would have been a success had he decided to make the move.  "He's an outstanding rugby league player and certainly if he had a burning desire to play rugby union he could have become an outstanding rugby union player."
The ARU's decision was likely influenced by the relatively rich stocks of five-eighths in the Wallabies with Stephen Larkham, Elton Flatley and Matt Giteau all options. The incumbent, Larkham, who turns 30 on Saturday, is younger than Johns and has been playing with a new lease of life this year. Jones agreed the Wallabies had the position well covered although he would be happy with even more choices.  "We've got Stevie, Flats, who's an accomplished international five-eighth and Gits, Matt Giteau, who's had a little bit of experience.  "But from an Australian rugby point of view I would like to have four or five guys, we need all the provinces covered."
NSW Rugby Union chief executive Fraser Neill said it was a disappointment and they would look at other options now, including former Waratahs Manny Edmonds and Shane Drahm, who are playing in Europe. "Obviously it was one of the options we were looking at but we're disappointed that door is closed now," he said.  NRL chief executive David Gallop said it was good to have "the best footballer of any code" playing rugby league. "We have said all along we offer a week-in week-out intensity rugby union doesn't offer and I'm pleased that Andrew wants to keep challenging himself in our competition," Gallop said. Newcastle described Johns' decision as great for the code and the club."The fact that Andrew has committed to staying with our game is great news for rugby league and great news for the Newcastle Knights," Newcastle chief executive Ken Conway said.
 

Andrew Johns and his girlfriend are seeking court protection from two sisters accused of stalking them.  The sisters allegedly inundated Johns and his partner of 20 months.

We're being stalked -  June 7, 2004
RUGBY league star Andrew Johns and his girlfriend are seeking court protection from two sisters accused of stalking them.  The sisters allegedly inundated Johns and his partner of 20 months, Catherine Mahoney, with more than 50 threatening and abusive phone calls in just 10 days. They are accused also of sending Ms Mahoney a letter saying: "I see dead people! Dead people see you!" 
According to court and police documents obtained by the sisters allegedly said they were "watching" Miss Mahoney and called her a "slut" and "a prostitute". The couple have applied for apprehended violence orders against the sisters, claiming they are in fear of their safety. Charges of stalking and harassment have been laid. The sisters, who live at Orange in the state's Central West, yesterday denied being obsessed fans of the Newcastle Knights star. They claimed they were the victims of a "set up" despite the calls allegedly being traced to their mobile and home phones. The sisters intend to plead not guilty to charges of using a phone to harass and menace, and intimidation with the intent to cause fear, when they face Orange Local Court this month. According to the documents, Ms Mahoney received the first call on her work voicemail on May 14. A female voice allegedly said: "I'm watching you, stay away from Newcastle." 
By 10.30pm she had received almost 20 calls. Four days later one message warned Ms Mahoney to "stay away from my boyfriend". Obscene language was used and Ms Mahoney reported it to police. About 25 calls weremade on May 20 and Telstra placed a trace on Ms Mahoney's phone. The next day she received a letter at her workplace. In red and black type it said: "I see dead people!!!! Dead people see you!!!! You are a bad bad woman. 
"We know you really well. Your name is Catherine Mahoney, your secrets you must soon tell. Forever yours from the grave". 
Telstra allegedly traced the calls to the sisters' mobile phones. Ms Mahoney and Johns told police they did not know the women. Police allege onesister had Ms Mahoney's number in her phone directory. The sisters spoke to yesterday hoping to clear their names. One, a dedicated Newcastle fan, claimed to have been in daily phone and e-mail contact with Johns over the past year. She said Johns sent her presents and she had posted him a CD and book. Once he allegedly spoke on the phone for 14 hours. The other said she only recently began following rugby league. Both denied they were obsessed with the player.

10 days of abusive calls -  7 June, 2004
COURT documents obtained by The Daily Telegraph show that police claim a series of threatening and abusive phone calls were made to the mobile phone of Andrew Johns' girlfriend - Catherine Mahoney - over a 10-day period last month.  The obscene calls were made at all times of the day and night and largely consisted of female voices screaming obscenities into the phone. Police said calls began on May 14. An edited police document lodged with the court claims some of the calls were made to Ms Mahoney's voice message service and included the following: 
MAY 14 "I'm watching you, stay away from Newcastle." 
MAY 14 Loud screaming and then call terminated. 
MAY 18 "I'm not the arsehole, but you're the f...ing slut prostitute. Stay away from my boyfriend you slut. Stay away from Newcastle." 
MAY 18 "You've got a diseased ...., you slut, stay away from Newcastle and stay away from my boyfriend. Why don't you call me ..." 
MAY 19 A call made to the victim's mobile, but answered by Andrew Johns. Mr Johns questioned the caller and the caller responded, "By the way your girlfriend's a f...ing prostitute." 
MAY 20 A female simply saying, "lesbian". 
MAY 23 "You're not Andrew's only f...ing girlfriend ..." 
MAY 23 "You dirty rotten slut, yes, you know who I am, you've got my details from the police. Well I'm going to call immigration and you'll be back in England before you can f...ing blink your eyelids." 
It's alleged during this time there were also a large number of calls made to the victim's mobile phone number which were either not answered by the victim or which were terminated by the caller when answered. 
MAY 24 A call was received by the victim from the phone number of both accused. On this occasion the call was terminated by the caller. The victim subsequently rang this number and spoke to a female who denied making the call. 
LATE March Andrew Johns' mother Gayle received a telephone call from a female stating she was in trouble or sick and Andrew was the only one she would listen to. Mrs Johns treated this call as a prank. 
On the morning of Tuesday, May 25, the two sisters were arrested at their home. Both their mobile phones were seized by police and they were taken to Orange Police Station. Both accused were interviewed and both denied making the obscene harassing calls to the victim. 

TV union link for Johns -  19 June, 2004
The Andrew Johns saga took an intriguing twist yesterday when his manager met with the television boss whose network holds free-to-air rugby union rights.  Agent John Fordham held talks with Channel 7 executive David Leckie during an afternoon appointment at the station's Sydney headquarters as speculation continued to bubble over the rugby league star's future.
Top level discussions were also staged between disapproving Australian Rugby Union chiefs and key NSW officials as the bid by the Waratahs to lure Johns gathered further momentum. Fordham last night refused to confirm his meeting with Leckie, before adding: "I do act for a number of people in the television industry."
Leckie could not be contacted. But The Daily Telegraph understands the plan by so-called Friends of the Waratahs to lure Johns across codes involves accruing enough endorsement deals to ensure him a financial windfall. On that basis, Johns might appeal to Seven as an investment with the potential to broaden their sporting audience base. He is the highest-profile player in league, a game broadcast on the rival Nine Network.  Johns has also been involved with Nine in a commentary capacity but sources have confirmed he is not on a long-term deal.  When asked if he had met with Leckie and if Johns was mentioned, Fordham replied: "You meet with people strictly on the basis of confidentiality."
Fordham does count among his clients several television personalities and Channel 7 rugby commentator Dan Crowley. The meeting of ARU and NSW officials involved the chairmen and chief executives of both organisations.  The ARU has expressed reservations about a chase for Johns that relies on the bulk of his pay packet coming from outside sources. With the ARU stating they will not provide top-up funds, Johns could only sign a playing contract with the Waratahs worth $110,000 a season plus $50,000 in match payments. 
NRL boss David Gallop said: "It's becoming a bit of a saga. But we'd love Andrew to stay in rugby league. I'm sure he looked on last Wednesday night and wished he was out there taking on the likes of Billy Slater."

Give it a try Joey -  21 June, 2004
This is where you are supposed to plead for Andrew Johns not to go to rugby and to say that rugby league has given him too much and that he owes the game something back.  But not on this watch. Personally, I'm interested in seeing Andrew Johns go and play rugby. The whole idea intrigues me. 
How good would he be? What impact would he have - and I mean on the field, not off it? Would he, or could he, change the way they play the game?
I once spent an afternoon with Johns and brother Matthew at Merewether Oval, kicking around a football, something that was for all intents a private training session for them but one that had the feel of a kick-around at the local park. It was fun. And what they were able to do with a football was staggering. They would kick a football along the ground - a grubber in-goals, for example - and make it start to turn left so it wouldn't roll dead. Then they would go to the other sideline and kick away - making the ball bend to the right this time, so again it wouldn't roll dead.  Between them, the pair came up with all sorts of different ways to use a football, often ways that no footballer had before them, and many of which we have seen revealed in games over the years. 
It would be fascinating to see what Johns could do in rugby because, more than anything, he is a lateral thinker. If there is one thing that stymies rugby it is the old-school thinking whereby things are done a certain way because it is the way they have always been done. It often appears like rugby folk are making a point of trying to resist rugby league, whereas the smart ones such as Eddie Jones have looked to see what the rival code has to offer.
Rugby league broke the shackles of doing it the way it has always been back in the 1980s and it is only in the professional era beginning in the mid-90s that rugby has started to expand its own thinking. Johns, I have no doubt, would turn much of the thinking upside down. He would question why things are done a certain way and how it could be done better.
That's what rugby would be getting, without even realising it. At the moment they are pretty much only looking at what they would get as a footballer, in the traditional sense. The Waratahs are short of a winning five-eighth, and even casual rugby fans know that. But unless you are a hard-core rugby fan you don't know exactly what the Waratahs are missing, and what an impact Johns would be. Tim Donnelly has a solid kicking game but not a complete kicking game, and is also a little shy taking the ball to the line. So we all know Johns would bring improvement there. The Waratahs' other five-eighth, Shaun Byrne, has no problems taking the ball to the line but is not a strong kicker. The weak links in each player takes the sting out of the Waratahs attack, because the defence simply sits off them and throws their defenders at the strike players out wide, men such as Lote Tuqiri and Mat Rogers. Johns would end all that.
If there is one thing he does, he challenges the defence, every time. Forget all that stuff about Johns not knowing how to play rugby. He is a footballer, and footballers understand the game is played beyond where to stand in attack and is instead about reading the game, reading a man, reading a situation. And Johns is the best. It really would be something to see. Rugby league has done a lot for him, but so too he for it. I understand he has to make a decision by Friday, so in the meantime we wait.

Ready to jump -  22 June, 2004
Andrew Johns staged a secret Sydney rendezvous with Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie as the rugby league superstar yesterday appeared on the verge of a dramatic switch in codes. Shortly after a meeting which prompted McKenzie to describe Johns as an "impressive individual", speculation surfaced that a two-season deal worth more than $1 million had already been signed.  The NSW Rugby Union denied the report and claimed a formal offer has not yet been made to the rival code's biggest name. "But the meeting today was an important step," a Waratahs spokesman confided last night.
If Johns does switch it will be a massive blow to rugby league and the biggest cross-code switch since Dally Messenger left rugby union in 1908. Johns refused to discuss the meeting with McKenzie yesterday but refuted suggestions he has made a final decision on his future.
"I haven't signed anything - there hasn't been an offer from them [the Waratahs] yet," Johns told The Daily Telegraph.  But Johns' manager John Fordham said last night he believed a written offer from the NSW Rugby Union was not far away. "I would anticipate there will be a formal offer for Andrew from the NSWRU and that there will not be a significant delay in that process," Fordham said. 
McKenzie said the meeting with Johns was the first time the pair had sat down to discuss the prospect of the Newcastle Knights captain joining the Waratahs from next season to solve their five-eighth concerns. "I was impressed," McKenzie said. "Andrew is an impressive individual. I've shaken hands with him on a couple of occasions during State of Origin campaigns [when the Wallabies were staying in the same hotel]. But I never got the opportunity to meet him prior to this. His skill levels reflect what time he puts into his game. He's also analytical. He clearly understands and watches rugby. He's a very driven, very motivated and very professional person.I was impressed not just from what he might offer from a playing perspective, but what else he might bring to the table. New ways of looking at things."
Johns could expect to earn around $440,000 in endorsements. Added to a Super 12 salary of $110,000 and $50,000 in match payments, it would provide an all-up deal of $600,000 a season. Newcastle, who have a two-year deal worth around $500,000 a season on the table for Johns, were playing a waiting game last night with insiders at the club maintaining they believed an agreement in principle had already been reached.
But both Fordham and Johns deny any firm undertaking to stay in Newcastle has been made.
Johns close to joining Waratahs

Johns in awe of Jonny -  22 June, 2004
Andrew Johns was in a private box at Telstra Stadium in awe as Jonny Wilkinson kicked England to Rugby World Cup glory last year.  It was the theatre of it all as much as the game itself that night. It stirred the emotions, setting off a curiosity about a game he had never played or given serious thought to playing. It wasn't an instant attraction. Only minutes after the game, he was talking about which rugby players he thought might make it in rugby league. And he was careful not to publicly go over the top in his praise of the final so as not to upset anyone in league circles.  Up until that point, he enjoyed watching the free-flowing try fests that are most Super 12 matches. He could take or leave the more dour, less adventurous Test matches.
But the seed had been sown and the curiosity factor has grown ever since.
A season-ending knee injury earlier this year left Johns with plenty of time to contemplate his future. And when the Waratahs officially came knocking a month ago, he was more than a little interested. At the time, he sat down with Test coach Eddie Jones and left that meeting convinced rugby union had become more than just an option. It was only when the ARU scuttled the Waratahs' original bid that he came to the realisation he would finish his playing career with the Knights.  The events of the past week have changed all that. There are few elite athletes who possess the passion and drive that Johns does. A challenge to Johns is like a red rag to a bull. Tell him something is not possible and he will show you how it is, no matter what it takes. Suggest to him, like the ARU did, that he is too old and too injury prone and he will set about shoving it back in your face. 
In league, he has captained his state and his country, won premierships and from a personal and team point of view, won everything there is to win. What rugby does is present a totally new challenge. What it gives him is the opportunity to experience a lifestyle that is different.
A move to Sydney would see him united with his girlfriend Cathrine Mahoney on a more regular basis. It would also see him escape, to a certain extent, the public glare and fishbowl existence he has lived with but never enjoyed in Newcastle.
More than a week ago when rugby's interest in him was sparked again, he spoke to Wendell Sailor on the phone. "What do you think - do you think I would make a go of it," he asked Sailor. Sailor responded positively. It was all Johns needed.

League bigger than any one player
Comment by Ray Chesterton -  22 June, 2004
Joey Johns is the best half and one of the greatest rugby league players I have ever seen. If he goes to rugby union I will miss him. The same way I missed Johnny Raper, Graeme Langlands, Reg Gasnier and Bob Fulton. But I stayed to cheer Steve Mortimer, Graham Eadie, Mick Cronin and Steve Rogers. When they left I stayed to watch Brad Fittler, Steve Roach, Wayne Pearce, Laurie Daley, Mal Meninga and Wally Lewis. If Joey goes the pattern will recur. Someone will come along to replace him in the public's imagination. And very quickly too, if Brisbane's Karmichael Hunt and Melbourne's Billy Slater have anything to say about it, That is not a cruel and unwarranted evaluation of an injured champion. It is simply a realistic appraisal of a situation continually repeated in rugby league's near-century of existence in Australia. Personally I don't think there is any chance of Johns going to rugby union. The availability of funds from commercial sources is too nebulous to take seriously. But if he does go the vast army of rugby league fans will not be suicidal. Except perhaps in Newcastle. Rugby league has seen the best of Johns. Seen his commitment and seen the marvellous passion and inspiration he can breathe into a side. If he goes we will miss whatever Joey has still to show us as a rugby league player. But after season-ending injuries in 2002, 2003 and 2004, how much more can he give?
For him to switch to rugby union in 2005 would make considerably less impact on rugby league than it would have three or four years ago.  Of course, rugby league actually made its own mark on Australian sport by buying Wallabies to create the initial premiership teams and provide the original Kangaroos back in 1908. The key ingredient in that coup was rugby union superstar Herbert Henry Messenger - the immortal "Dally".  His switch of codes significantly altered the fortunes of both rugby union and rugby league.  But for all his stature Messenger's departure was not fatal to rugby union - even allowing for the latent irony a century later of rugby union thinking it is eviscerating rugby league by signing its iconic player. The truth is both codes will continue to prosper irrespective of player switches. 
If Johns feels there are more opportunities for him in rugby union, with less wear and tear on his body, he should go. But if the Waratahs think the answer to their problem is to spend someone else's money on a 30-year-old player with no rugby union experience and a high injury profile, they are indeed in parlous straits.

We must remain friends: Hagan -  22 June 2004
Newcastle coach Michael Hagan today insisted the NRL club had to maintain its close relationship with Andrew Johns no matter where their captain ended up next season. Johns has been the subject of an approach from the NSW Rugby Union, with a group of wealthy supporters cobbling together an offer for the Knights captain. "I think we have a pretty good relationship with Andrew," Hagan said today. "I think that has to be maintained at all costs. I have got to know him personally over the last four or five years and I spoke to him at length last night about a few things. I would like to think we can keep the communication channels open at this stage and try to convince him ... why we want him to be part of our football club." 
The Knights are fighting tooth-and-nail to retain Johns, currently sidelined after undergoing a season-ending knee reconstruction.  Their cause received a helping hand from the NRL today when the game's governing body confirmed a potential sponsorship agreement with Johns would not count under their salary cap.  The Knights haven't put a deadline on a response from Johns, however, Hagan today said the club would like an answer by Friday. "There's obviously some curiosity there still," Hagan said. "He's trying no doubt to get as much information as he can as to what their game wants and whether he seriously wants to consider turning his back on our game. They're things only he can decide. I spoke to Andrew last night. I think he understands our position pretty well. Obviously he has a few things to consider. He has to weigh up a whole lot of things this week with respect to ultimately what he wants to do. This club has been pretty good to him over a long period of time."   Hagan said the club had backed Johns in recent seasons despite his ongoing injury problems. Johns has suffered serious injuries in each of the past three seasons, with the Knights struggling in his absence. "I think the club has been supportive of him during his career and we haven't changed that position with respect to his knee reconstruction or his age," Hagan said. "We still see him as being an integral part of our football team and a force in the game for the next few years. We're still confident that we will decide to stay here and play out his career at our football club."

Roosters pair say Johns willl be replaced -  22 June 2004
No-one's irreplaceable - even Andrew Johns. 
That was the message from two of rugby league's biggest names today as Johns edged closer to joining former league stars Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri and Mat Rogers in rugby union. Sydney Roosters pair Brad Fittler and Luke Ricketson admitted they would be disappointed to see Johns switch codes but backed league's production line to roll out a replacement. "I would be very disappointed," Fittler said when asked how he would feel if Johns joined rugby union.  I was disappointed to see Wendell go, I was disappointed to see Lote go and Mat Rogers go. They're quality players and they're higher profile players. They attract young kids (to the game). "But Wendell has been replaced, Lote Tuqiri has been replaced and Mat Rogers has been replaced. It won't be too long before we get another Andrew Johns." 
Johns spoke with NSW Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie yesterday and fears are growing in rugby league circles that the man rated among the best players in the game is ready for a new challenge. The 30-year-old has achieved everything rugby league has to offer. He's played more than 200 first grade games for Newcastle, won two premierships (1997, 2001), been part of the World Cup victories in 1995 and 2000, and captained NSW and Australia. The Knights are desperate to retain his services but it's believed Johns relishes the thought of taking on rugby union's elite. "I don't think it's a huge drama," Ricketson said today. We have so may good young kids coming through that get nurtured through rugby league. You're going to get kids through who are going to take his spot. I think it's going to happen with guys who want to go and test their feet in that water." 
Ricketson, almost perversely, admitted he would be interested to see how Johns stacked up against the best rugby union has to offer.  "... a guy like Andrew Johns in my eyes would be a huge standout in that code," Ricketson said. "As an admirer of his game it would be good to sit down and watch him and see how he performs at rugby." 
The mooted move is sure to spark calls for league to fend off union raids, an issue that reared its head when Sailor and Tuqiri crossed football's great divide. However, the NRL has reiterated a number of times it will not help pay the game's best players. "It's a catch-22 situation," Fittler said. "You do that and all of a sudden teams start complaining about the salary cap and what players do we keep and what players do we let go. I think they (the NRL) should have been doing it a long time ago with Lote and Wendell and start paying our elite players, our Australian players, more money. But where does it stop? 
"That's an issue for the league. I'm sure the league is concerned about it. I'm sure they don't want to lose their players. I'd be disappointed if they didn't start putting in some sort of clauses or helping our high profile players."

Johns Signs Until 2006 - June 25, 2004 - Newcastle Knights
Record breaking rugby league star Andrew Johns has announced he will re-sign with the Newcastle Knights for a further two years until the end of the 2006 season. The boy from Cessnock first wore the blue and red of Newcastle in the club’s 1989 Harold Matthews team and is now likely to finish his playing career with the same club. During an already outstanding career, Johns has played 209 first grade games with the Knights during which time he has amassed an astonishing 1842 points and two premierships in 1997 and 2001. The latter grand final saw him lead the team as captain and receive the Clive Churchill Medal for best on ground. Acclaimed as the best rugby league player ever, Johns has been awarded the Dally M player of the year award an unprecedented three times in 1998, 1999 and 2002. He has also been the recipient of the Golden Boot (awarded to the best player n the world) twice, in 1999 and 2001. On the representative scene, Andrew has captained both his state and country, having played 21 State of Origin games for NSW and 18 Tests for Australia. 

One phone call was all it took -  25 June, 2004
John Fordham was having breakfast with a Sydney journalist this morning when his mobile phone rang.
The name "A Johns" appeared on the screen. 
Fordham answered. 
Fordham: "How do you feel. Did you have a good sleep." 
Johns: "Yes mate, I feel terrific." 
Fordham: "What are we doing Joey?" 
Johns: "Newcastle." 
Fordham: "Well done. I'll talk to you in 10 minutes." 
With that Andrew Johns ended weeks of speculation over his future, rejecting overtures from rugby union to finish his career in rugby league. 
Newcastle - the club and city - and rugby league in general breathed a huge sigh of relief. 
"The decisive factor was clearing his head," Fordham said. 
"Overnight he cleared his head, he had a good night's sleep. 
"He needed to do that because he's had a lot of things going through his head. 
"He had all the information. We have been through it, chapter and verse yesterday. 
"Then it became time for a decision. He made it quickly this morning, he made it and that's terrific." 
Both Johns and Fordham relayed the news to Newcastle officials. 
Fordham rang Knights chairman Michael Hill, Johns rang coach Michael Hagan. 
"They were delighted," Fordham said. 
Hagan: "There is no doubt in my mind Andrew Johns is the best player in the world. 
"The fact that he is playing in our team next year obviously puts a smile on my face, as I'm sure it would any coach in the same circumstances. 
"I must say that the last few weeks have been extremely stressful for all concerned at our football club and it would have been a very difficult situation to deal with if Andrew had made a different decision. 
"I do firmly believe that he has made the right choice." 
Fordham also relayed the news to the NRL before posting a statement on his website. 
That statement gave an insight into how difficult the past few weeks had been for Johns. 
"I woke up this morning with a clear head after what has been an agonising time weighing up whether to stay in league or accept the challenge rugby put in front of me," he said. 
"In the end, my head told me that I should remain with rugby league. 
The NRL reacted with delight. 
After losing a trio of high-profile players to union in recent seasons - Lote Tuqiri, Mat Rogers and Wendell Saiilor - league had struck back. 
"Andrew is a rugby league player born and bred and I've said all along that I think it would be better for him and for the fans if he were to finish playing where he started," NRL chief executive David Gallop said. 
"I don't think this is about league versus other codes, I just think its about a star player staying with the game that he's been such a part of." 
Johns' future is now assured. 
A career in television awaits the world's best rugby league player when his sporting career comes to an end. 
"He's under contract to (Channel) Nine at present," Fordham said. 
"They have identified him as a real television talent down the track and that has been confirmed to me this week, that there will be a career if he wants it in television when he stops playing." 
For the moment though Johns can enjoy some time out of the news. 
It's been a testing few weeks for a player who, for all his talent, spurns the spotlight. 
"Massive, massive," Fordham said of Johns' relief. 
"He'll have a good day today."

The World Today - Friday, 25 June , 2004  Reporter: Nick Grimm 
ELEANOR HALL: Would he…or wouldn't he? 
It's been the question occupying the minds of fans of the two football codes – Rugby League and Rugby Union – as they've followed the blow-by-blow reporting of the twists and turns in the career deliberations of one of the stars of the paddock: Newcastle Knights Rugby League captain Andrew Johns. Breathless sports reports have described the player's mental torment and uncertainty, as he apparently wrestled with a lucrative offer to switch codes and play Rugby Union with the New South Wales Waratahs. Well, this morning, those fans have their answer. 
Here' s Nick Grimm. 
NICK GRIMM: For footy tragics, it's been nail-biting action this week. But it hasn't been the gladiatorial contest on the paddock which has been providing the spectacle, rather it's been generated by those behind-the-scenes types scrumming down on opposite ends of telephone lines, or going toe-to-toe across a desk or a restaurant table. And throughout, this spectacle has been an entirely media generated phenomenon, as airtime and column space has been given over to speculation about what's been in the mind of Newcastle Knights skipper Andrew Johns. 
ANDREW JOHNS: You know, I've been at the same club now since I was 14, you know? I actually love it up there, you know? All of my closest mates are the blokes I play footy with. But some nights you just got to get, maybe to a stage where I maybe need a new challenge. 

NICK GRIMM: And there's been no shortage of hype to fuel the mystery over whether the talented Rugby League player was contemplating a switch to the rival code of Rugby Union. Last night Andrew Johns even disappointed commercial TV viewers who'd been encouraged to expect he'd announce a decision live on air, during the Nine network's Footy Show. 
ANDREW JOHNS: I don't know mate, you know, it's, it's… the last two or three days I've had like a big knot in the stomach because I deadset don't know what I'm gonna do, and I'm obviously torn between the loyalty of playing Rugby League in Newcastle and obviously the new challenge of playing Rugby Union. 

NICK GRIMM: The New South Wales Rugby Union has been attempting to lure Andrew Johns to join the Waratahs, with a mysterious group of corporate figures calling themselves "the friends of the waratahs" said to be patching together a special deal to help encourage the player to switch. But there have been reports too in the past days, of how Rugby League, with the help of nine network owner Kerry Packer has been making counter-offers, which reportedly include a ten year job offer with the official league broadcaster. This morning, the announcement that he'd stay with Rugby League came from Andrew John's manager, John Fordham, a man who recently made headlines himself when he corroborated broadcaster John Laws' allegation that his rival Alan Jones boasted he gave orders to Prime Minister John Howard. So, what do the two media stories have in common? Well, not much except lots of publicity for all concerned. So has the entire Andrew Johns episode simply been a case of masterful media manipulation and negotiating tactics by his management team? 
Well, among those with their suspicions is the former Rugby Union test player, the Fairfax columnist Peter Fitzsimons, as The World Today discovered when we put that question to him. 
PETER FITZSIMONS: Nick, it's time for you to come clean. You've been tapping my mail haven't you? You've been reading my thoughts, listening to my phone calls. I think exactly that. I just… I think John Fordham is one of the best in the business and the net result of those whole hoopla, this whole saga that's been going on for two weeks, if Andrew Johns isn't come good for another 2 or 3 or 400 grand a year, I'd be very, very surprised indeed. 

NICK GRIMM: So who are the winners out of this? Obviously Andrew Johns has come out well and the NRL has gotten a lot of very good publicity out of it, haven't they? 
PETER FITZSIMONS: Yeah, the real… well, the losers are Rugby Union because they've been seen to be going hard after a leaguey and not getting their man, and that's the first time they've been denied in some time because they've got Wendell Sailor, Lote Tikiri and Matt Rogers. And, you know, it would have been something of a coup to get the last Australian captain bar one. As a PR exercise it would have been something terrific to say, 'well there you go, we can… we can get somebody of the calibre of Andrew Johns to come and play with us', really ignoring what seemed to be, you know, for every time John Fordham said, 'it's not about the money, it's not about the money, it's not about the money,' well, you'll excuse me, but there seemed to be a lot of money floating around. 
ELEANOR HALL: Former Wallaby, now Fairfax columnist, Peter Fitzsimons. Nick Grimm with that report.

Johns owed league: Bennett -  26 June, 04:36 PM
Australian Test coach Wayne Bennett believes Andrew Johns stuck with rugby league because he "owed the game something".  Bennett - who coached Johns in the 1998 Australian team before taking over the national reins again this season - said the star halfback shied away from a two year NSW Waratahs deal and re-signed with Newcastle to "repay his debt" to the game. "I was really pleased (when Johns re-signed). I've met him a number of times and I really enjoyed his company," he said. "I know he loves this game and I thought he owed this game something. In the end I'm sure that is what got him across the line. Bennett said he understood how succeeding in rugby would have been a temptation for Johns.
"There would have been a challenge there for him (in rugby)," he said. "I'm sure the money wasn't an issue because he was going to get well paid no matter what he did. "No doubt he felt he owed this game something and he wants to repay his debt. He's staying and I think that is great for rugby league and I really appreciate him doing that."
Meanwhile, Johns' manager John Fordham explained how close his star charge was to signing a lucrative deal with Super 12 rugby outfit the Waratahs. "On body language on late Thursday (I thought he would choose) rugby league," he told Sydney radio station 2GB. "But it was interesting when he spoke to me..(he said) if I had been forced into making a decision...he said it probably would have been rugby and that was on Thursday evening. "So I was 100 per cent wrong on the way I was reading it."
While Fordham admitted there was "a risk factor involved" with joining rugby, he blamed the ARU for the Waratahs missing out Johns' signature. "When there was a road block at the ARU level five or six weeks ago, if that hadn't have been the case Andrew Johns would have signed with rugby six weeks ago," he said. "There was no question, he was not hesitating at all then - it was 100 per cent rugby."
When asked that the NSWRU could blame their ARU counterparts for losing Johns, he said: "there's no question about that."

Hardest call of my life - By ANDREW JOHNS -  25 June, 2004
I know some people are thinking they would like to have to make a decision like this, one with plenty of reward, and I can understand. But this is not about money. Everyone has been talking up the monetary side of things but that is not my motivation. In truth, the difference between the two offers - from a financial perspective - is not worth worrying about. 
Both are good offers. It is really about what matters to me - football. Last night I went on The Footy Show and I felt crook as I sat in the dressing room beforehand, still wondering what I was going to do. I'd felt that way all day. I hadn't been able to eat until I forced something down just before I headed into the studio.  My guts are still in a knot. I had planned to make my decision yesterday but as the day went on it changed from one to the other. In fact, it changed every hour. I'd go through the pros and cons of each offer and then . . . I don't know. But I am going to do it today, definitely. I want to do it today. I've got to do it today. This is how I see the pros and cons of the decision I have to make. The pros of rugby union are the challenge for me. It is something new, a challenge where I would have to go over there and learn the game and, I suppose, earn the respect of my teammates. 
Whereas with league, it is something I have done all my life and it is something I am familiar with. All my best mates are involved in rugby league. The cons of union are probably the same as the pros. I haven't played it, it's a big risk for me. The cons of league are that I might need a new challenge. And this is just short term. I also have to think about what I am going to when I have finished playing. It's just tough. This is the hardest call of my life, footy-wise, that I have ever had to make. On the one hand it is really difficult to make the right decision but then I think no matter what I do it will be the right decision. I have said all along that this contract, wherever it may be, will be for me. 
My manager John Fordham told me that he met with News Ltd chief executive John Hartigan and I appreciate what he had to say, and what Channel 9 chief executive David Gyngell had to offer for my post-football career. On top of that I don't know what my career prospects would be after a short career in rugby union. So far, all though this, I have mostly spoken to Matthew, my brother, about what I should do, and his advice has been similar to mum and dad's and my girlfriend Cathrine's. They want me to do what I am happy with it. 
Then there is the most important person in all of this, my son Samuel.  Taking the rugby offer would mean moving away from Newcastle and seeing less of him. And, while I like the idea of living in Sydney and being a little more anonymous, I don't like the idea of living away from Samuel. 

Joey's secret deal revealed -  June 27, 2004
ANDREW Johns will become the public face of Newcastle company Rock City Promotions in an advertising campaign to sell seats at a revamped EnergyAustralia Stadium next season. This follows his decision on Friday to reject a move to rugby union and remain with the Knights. The Sunday Telegraph can reveal the top-secret third-party arrangement was integral to the Knights' $1 million bid over two seasons to keep the world's best player at the club. It is understood the company, which has brought the world's biggest music acts to Newcastle, will be employed by the Knights on a commission basis to sell stadium seats for the 2005 season once the eastern grandstand is completed. Johns will in turn be employed by the company to become the public face of the campaign. It is unclear just how much the third-party agreement is worth but it is understood it brings his overall package for continuing his career at the Knights to around $500,000 a season.
NRL salary cap auditor Ian Schubert officially signed off on the agreement on Tuesday, declaring Johns' arrangement with Rock City Promotions exempt from the cap. The reason behind the exemption is the company is not a sponsor of the club and is using Johns directly for its own purposes. A handful of other big names also have similar deals at other clubs. None of the parties involved in the Johns arrangement were willing to discuss the confidential deal yesterday. 
Johns' manager John Fordham claimed last Monday that Newcastle's offer was not complete because he did not have written confirmation from the NRL about the exemption. The delay was due in part to the fact the paperwork for the deal was in the hands of Johns' solicitors and the NRL wanted to see it before signing off on it. Johns has been aware of the deal for several weeks. 
But Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen has questioned why the NRL went to such lengths to keep Johns in rugby league, while relatively little was done to stop rugby union poaching Lote Tuqiri two years ago. Cullen said he firmly believes Tuqiri would have rejected rugby's overtures if the NRL had come to the party. "The NRL were very keen to keep Andrew and as a rugby league man I applaud their efforts to keep a player of his calibre in the game," Cullen said. "However, from our club's point of view we were disappointed we didn't get any assistance, particularly with Lote. Hopefully the way the NRL has reacted to the Johns situation is a sign of a change in attitude and, if one of our players becomes a target (of rugby) down the track, they will go to the same lengths to help us." 

Joey's mini me project -  Rugby League Week- June 30th
Newcastle hero Andrew Johns has set himself one more challenge before finally retiring from the game......... to turn protege Kurt Gidley into a playmaker who can replace him at origin and test leval. Johns sent a wave of euphoria shooting though the the Hunter Valley last week when he finally signed a new two year deal with the Knights, ending months of speculation about his future. The contact, which will see Johns play out his stellar career at home, has also given the champion halfback a chance to finally cement a combination with promising pivot Kurt Gidley. The pair have only played a handful of games together but represent arguably the most potent attacking combinbation in the NRL providing they can stay healthy. "Joey plays at his best when he's got someone who can give him a mental break, a Kurt Gidley can definitely do that" Andrew's brother Matthew told RWL. "This is a big learning year for Kurt and the responsibilty he has had to hold on his shoulders is very tiring. But coming into next year it will be invaluable. I think you'll see Kurt elevated to a full-time represenative player. No dout in the worl about it"
Newcastle captain Danny Buderus is also a fan of the Johns-Gidley combination, admitting he can't wait to see the young gun and zen master on the field together. "they've only played a couple of games together but the potential is obviously there" Buderus says. "Kurt id a terrific young talent and he;s going to benefit immensley from playing ouside Joey"

Sisters 'terrorised Johns' girlfriend' -  30 June, 2004
TWO sisters accused of stalking the girlfriend of Newcastle Knights star Andrew Johns bombarded her with more than 50 threatening phone calls, a court heard yesterday. Annette and Melissa Essam yesterday faced Orange Local Court for the first time since being arrested for allegedly harassing Cathrine Mahoney. The sisters allegedly sent a letter to the office of Ms Mahoney, a manager at Sony music, which began: "I see dead people."
Johns and Ms Mahoney are pressing for 12-month apprehended violence orders against the sisters to protect themselves and Johns' young son, Samuel. The court drama comes days after Johns ended one of the most difficult weeks in his life by committing his future to rugby league.  Annette Essam, 25, and Melissa Essam, 23, of Orange, pleaded not guilty to criminal charges of stalking Ms Mahoney, causing her to fear physical or mental harm, and using a phone to harass Johns' partner of 20 months. An application for an interim AVO made by police on behalf of Johns and Ms Mahoney was rejected.
Magistrate Jan Stephenson deemed the strict bail conditions placed on the sisters as sufficient until a full AVO hearing was completed. Johns and Ms Mahoney were not required to attend court. The sisters refused to comment as they left the precinct. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph in June, they denied making the calls. According to court documents, the harassment began on May 14 and continued over 10 days until a trace installed by Telstra on Ms Mahoney's mobile directed police to the mobile and home lines of the Essams. More than 50 calls were allegedly made to Ms Mahoney, the first a message on her work voicemail which said: "I'm watching you, stay away from Newcastle."
Later that day Ms Mahoney answered her mobile phone to hear loud screaming lasting a few seconds before the caller hung up. During the next hour, 13 calls were made to her mobile. On May 18 she received messages which called her a slut and a prostitute. One said: "Stay away from Newcastle and stay away from my boyfriend."  Next day, Johns got involved when he answered his girlfriend's phone. The letter arrived on May 21 and was in red and black type. "I see dead People!!!!! Dead people see you!!!! You are a bad bad woman," it said. The sisters were arrested on May 25 and Ms Mahoney's number was allegedly found in Annette Essam's phone. The case was adjourned until August 24.

Why I'm a worried Knight - Andrew Johns -  18 July, 2004 
YOU don't have to be too smart an operator to work out just how big a loss Ben Kennedy and Timana Tahu will be for the Knights next season. Both are world class and, put simply, you can't replace players of that calibre. We are also losing the likes of Robbie O and Matty Parsons and a young guy with a future in Michael Ennis. It will hurt us and I don't mind admitting I am worried about our prospects over the next couple of seasons. I never really said as much at the time but my concerns over the depth at the club and whether, deep down, we were going to be in a position to genuinely challenge for the title in 2005 were factors in my deliberations concerning a possible switch of codes. It played on my mind and still does but I guess the challenge that presents itself here was part of the reason for wanting to stay.  I don't think there is any doubt we need to be in the marketplace for a couple of forwards. I know the club is trying hard in that department. 
If we have to go overseas to England, New Zealand or even Fiji to unearth someone we can afford, so be it.
We are chasing Kirk Reynoldson from the Storm pretty hard. Kirk, if you are reading this, you would be a hit in Newcastle, mate. A real asset to us and a cult figure in the Hunter. But the solution to our problems with depth lie right here at the club. Our young players will never get a better opportunity than right now to prove they have what it takes to lead the club forward. 
Players like Andrew Price, Matt Kennedy, Reegan Tanner and Daniel Tolar have been handed an enormous opportunity to establish themselves as genuine first graders. All have come through the system and tasted the pressure and expectations that go with being in the top grade. It is now up to them to work their butts off, continue to improve and take the next step to prove their worth. Lower down in the grades, the next generation of Knights to come through in 12 to 18 months is exciting everyone. Players like Kade Snowden and Jarrod Mullen, two guys who have just made the Australian Schoolboys squad. There are others from our premiership-winning S G Ball under-18s side who will be knocking on the door a little bit down the track. But what we need immediately is the last batch of young blokes to come through and really stand up. That will be the key to our success next season. We still have the nucleus of an outstanding team in 2005. 
Our playing roster will still include the likes of Buderus, Simpson, the Gidleys, Abraham and Hughes. Clint Newton has been great for us this season but will be a bigger force next year, as will the likes of Adam Woolnough and Todd Lowrie. Out wide, we have re-signed George Carmont and David Seage, and winger Anthony Quinn's rate of improvement has been astonishing. Quinny has consistently been close to our best all year. It is not all doom and gloom, although we are in no position to be the slightest bit smug about where we are heading. I have a feeling my final two years in the game are going to be character-building for everyone here at the Knights. But the more I think and write about the challenges we face, the more excited I get. 

Fab four will carry us: Johns - By Knights captain Andrew Johns,  August 6, 2004
THEY are our "awesome foursome", the players the Knights will rely on over the next five weeks to lead the club's late charge towards the playoffs.
It is going to be a huge ask but in Danny Buderus, Ben Kennedy and Matt and Kurt Gidley we still have the experience and skill on the field to mount a serious challenge. Our resurgence started last Sunday. Okay, so it wasn't totally convincing against the Rabbitohs and, for once, we enjoyed a bit of luck in running. But it was the win we had to have to get our season back on the rails. The key now is to gather some momentum with games against Canberra (tomorrow) and Manly the follow weekend. 
No-one has been dining out this week on our win over Souths. But what it showed was the desire among the boys is still there and the fire in the belly is still burning. Hearing a fired-up Ben Kennedy revving up the forward pack in the sheds at halftime about our defence at the ruck, and seeing them respond in the second half, says a lot about the mindset. I had mixed feelings about our chances going into the game after we had lost seven of our past eight outings. Nothing drains confidence more than a losing streak of that magnitude. However, we showed plenty of ticker to get over the line, something we are going to need in big doses over the next five weeks. 
Obviously we still have some work to do before we can seriously compete with the likes of the Bulldogs and Roosters. But in Buderus, Kennedy and Matt Gidley we still have three of the best players in the world in their positions. Throw in the enthusiasm, skill and sheer will-to-win of Kurt Gidley and you have four players, at the peak of their form, who can control matches. Bedsy has been an inspiration. No player in the competition has been targeted more than he has this season because rival teams know just how integral he is to the Knights and their chances of winning. Over the past month or more, teams have deliberately flouted the rules at marker in a bid to shut him down and they are getting away with it. Players will fail to stand square or jump out of marker early to try to combat him and I know it is something coach Michael Hagan has taken up with referee boss Robert Finch. But, despite the added attention, he has consistently been among our best players. BK has had his share of problems with injury and getting his future settled, but my feeling is we will see the best from him over the next five weeks. He is still one of the most damaging running forwards in the game and has the ability to lift the boys around him with his actions. He was great for us in the final 20 minutes against the Rabbitohs. As for the two Gidleys, Matt had some unbelievable touches against Souths. We just need him to be afforded some space to work in because one-on-one he is almost unstoppable. Kurt has probably been over-burdened at times in the playmaking role and the shift to five-eighth, with the addition of Steve Witt at halfback for the Souths game, looked to me like it eased the pressure on him a bit. Witty had been playing well in Premier League and Hages has pulled the right rein in making the switch. In pinpointing our key players, it needs to be said they are going to need plenty of support from the players around them. 
It all starts up front. Josh Perry probably hasn't lived up to his own expectations this season, coming off the back of playing Origin for the first time in 2003. Josh would admit that himself but his performance against Souths says to me he is determined to finish the season strongly. There is no question that if he can find his best form, and the likes of Adam Woolnough and Matt Kennedy follow his lead, our chances of reaching the playoffs will soar.
 

"I don't want the selectors picking me unless I'm playing out of my skin and deserve it when the time comes."  Andrew Johns on playing Origin 2005.

Buderus a target: Joey - 6 August 6, 2004
ANDREW JOHNS has accused rival teams of illegally targeting Newcastle captain Danny Buderus. In his exclusive column in The Daily Telegraph today, the injured Johns looked at Newcastle's late bid for a playoffs berth and claimed it was being undermined by the lack of action by referees in relation to Buderus. "Over the past month or more, teams have deliberately flouted the rules at marker in a bid to shut him down and they are getting away with it," Johns says. "Players will fail to stand square or they'll jump out of marker early to try and combat him and I know it is something coach Michael Hagan has taken up with referees' boss Robert Finch." 
Hagan confirmed yesterday he had spoken on more than one occasion to Finch. "It is certainly something that has been occurring and I have gone through the official channels just to make Robert aware of it," Hagan said. "Teams recognise the threat there because Bedsy is the best hooker in the world. They obviously believe if they can stop him from creating havoc from dummy-half, they have a far greater chance of winning the football game. All we would be looking for in that area is a bit of consistency." 
Johns says Buderus, Ben Kennedy and the Gidley brothers, Matt and Kurt, are the players who can orchestrate a late season surge. "We still have the experience and skill on the field [in those players] to mount a serious challenge," Johns says. "No one has been dining out this week on our win over Souths. But what it showed was the desire among the boys is still there and the fire in the belly is still burning. "The key now is to gather some momentum with games against Canberra [tomorrow] and Manly the following week."

Johns cleared to resume training -  3 November, 2004 
ANDREW Johns will make another comeback on Monday after being declared ready to resume training with Newcastle.  The Knights return to full training boosted enormously by news that Johns will be at the opening session. "Joey might be doing some altered stuff but he'll be there – he will be participating," said coach Michael Hagan. "Joey is probably 80 or 90 per cent and we expect him to be doing most things in three to four weeks. He is progressing pretty well." 
Johns has not played since round three last year when he injured a knee and required a full knee reconstruction. He has not finished the past three seasons through injury. In September 2002, he suffered three broken bones in his lower back in a qualifying final against St George Illawarra and was ruled out for the season. The following August Johns was ruled out after specialists diagnosed a protruding disc that was placing pressure on his spinal cord. He missed the final four rounds of the regular season and the Knights' qualifying final loss to the Roosters. In March, Johns heartbreakingly tore the cruciate ligament in his right knee. In his time out injured this year, Johns rejected a massive offer to switch to rugby union. 

This is my last chance: Johns -  7 November, 2004
IT has been eight agonisingly long months for the world's best player, Andrew Johns, since he was reduced to a frustrated spectator by a season-ending knee injury. On the eve of the official start to off-season training for the Newcastle captain, Johns talks about his comeback expectations and drops a bombshell about retirement should serious injury strike again. 
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Training officially kicks off with the Knights tomorrow. How is the knee? 
ANDREW JOHNS: The knee feels great. I've been to the doctor and he has given me a good report. The most important thing is that the graft they did to repair the ligament is rock solid. Two months ago, I was still struggling to straighten my leg but that is improving all the time. 
ST: So will you be at 100 per cent tomorrow morning at training? 
AJ: No, I'm not there yet but I'm not far away and will be doing as much as I can. I'll just be off the pace a little bit. 
ST: You have had some setbacks since you first suffered the injury, haven't you? 
AJ: There have been a few. After the initial surgery, I picked up an infection and then a blood clot, so I was in and out of hospital during the first few weeks. Then I had to have it manipulated to loosen it up a bit and there was a concern about a month ago that I might have had a cyst in the joint. There has been some drama on and off but it's okay now. 
ST: You have owned up in the past to being a terrible spectator. You must have done it tough during last season? 
AJ: Yeah, it was awful, really tough. Particularly during the Origin series and coming up to the play-offs. The frustrating part was that before I did the injury, I really felt like I was in for a big year. 
ST: Does your passion for playing still burn as brightly as it ever did? 
AJ: No question. Nothing has changed there. I can't wait to get stuck into serious training, so that is a good sign. 
ST: There will be some who will question your ability to get back to your best again. There must be some self doubts there as well after the horror run with serious injuries you have had over the past three seasons? 
AJ: I'd be lying if I said there wasn't. Psychologically, it has left some scars and I know I am going to be terrified leading into my first game back next year, not really knowing if I am going to get through it. The memory of doing my knee, just the noise it made and the pain, I'm still trying to erase it now. 
ST: Mentally, could you handle another serious injury? 
AJ: If I do another major one, that's it. 
ST: You would retire? 
AJ: I'd pull the pin, yeah. I wouldn't bother wasting my time or the Knights' time if it happened all over again. 
ST: That's a big call. You feel that strongly about it? 
AJ: I just wouldn't go through all of this again. 
ST: You've signed for two more years with the Knights. Do you still have personal career goals? 
AJ: Of course. I'll be writing them up on the board here at home, like I always do. 
ST: Are you prepared to say what they might be? 
AJ: They are personal things. The biggest challenge for me now over the next four or five months is getting myself back to where I was last March. That is the immediate goal. 
ST: One advantage for you is that you love training. 
AJ: Leading into last season, I was that fit. Mentally, I was that focused on what I wanted to do. I wasn't having a beer and was watching what I ate. That's the sort of preparation I want to have again. 
ST: So you'll be off the grog? 
AJ: Pretty much, yeah. We'll be training six days a week up until Christmas, so I'll be virtually cutting it out altogether. I'll be turning up to every session, training my backside off and hopefully setting a good example for the young blokes. I just want to give myself every chance. 
ST: What about representative footy? Are you keen to play at that level again? 
AJ: I'd love to play again and playing under Ricky Stuart in Origin is something that really appeals to me. But I'm not going to play if I'm off the pace. I don't want the selectors picking me unless I'm playing out of my skin and deserve it when the time comes. 
ST: Just on that, are you feeling any pressure to have to live up to the "best player in the game" tag when you return? 
AJ: That sort of stuff never enters my mind. I have my own expectations about what I want to be able to do and I guess I have some doubts about whether the injury will affect my speed and if I will be able to get through gaps like I could in the past. That has been on my mind a bit. 
ST: What about the Knights then. The team missed the play-offs last season and you have lost some quality in players like Ben Kennedy and Timana Tahu. You are already being written off as a contender in 2005. 
AJ: It's a bit like that, isn't it? The key is going to be keeping the nucleus of our side on the field. We still have plenty of outstanding players and if we do that, we will be fine. Hopefully, we can unearth a few young guys and there are players there who know they have to lift their game. They are making noises like they are prepared to do that. 
ST: You are very close to Danny Buderus. What a year he had, despite the team's performance.
AJ: Unbelievable. Even more so given just how wounded he has been at times during the season, which most people weren't aware of. He has just been inspirational at all levels of the game. It's going to be great to play with him again. 
ST: What about the new players at the club. Are there any you are really excited about? 
AJ: That is probably a wait-and-see thing with most of them but Kirk Reynoldson will be great for the place. I am looking forward to playing alongside him because he is a hard worker and what you see is what you get. I can see him being a good influence at the club. 
ST: What are your early thoughts on next season's premiership? 
AJ: I can see it being one of the closest ever. The Roosters are going to miss Freddy (Brad Fittler) and Steve Price is a big loss for the Bulldogs. That will bring both of them back to the field a bit. Then you look at how well the likes of Parramatta, Manly and the Warriors have recruited and the emergence of the Cowboys. It's going to be incredibly tight. 
ST: Finally Joey, you'll be slogging it out at off-season training tomorrow at the same time as the Wallabies are enjoying their European tour. Any lingering regrets about THAT decision? 
AJ: I obviously think about it from time to time and a part of me will probably always wonder about what might have been had I gone that way. But I made the call in the end to stay with the Knights for all the right reasons and I am happy with it. 

Another bad one will finish Joey -  07 Nov 2004
ONE more serious injury will send Andrew Johns into retirement. The former Australian rugby league captain revealed exclusively to The Sunday Mail that he would "pull the pin" rather than face another gruelling rehabilitation. On the comeback trail from a knee reconstruction, Johns hasn't completed a season since he guided the Knights to the 2001 NRL crown. Serious injuries ended each of his past three campaigns. The Newcastle halfback – who turned his back on a rich rugby union offer this year – said he could not mentally cope with another gruelling comeback. "If I do another major one, that's it," Johns said.  "I'd pull the pin. I wouldn't bother wasting my time or the Knights' time if it happened all over again. I just wouldn't go through this all again."
The 30-year-old tore his anterior cruciate ligament in March in just the third round. Johns will front Newcastle's first pre-season training session tomorrow but admitted he would take some doubts into next year. "I'd be lying if I said there wasn't (self-doubt)," he said. "Psychologically, it has left some scars and I know I am going to be terrified leading into my first game back next year, not really knowing if I am going to get through it.  The memory of doing my knee – just the noise it made and the pain . . . I'm still trying to erase it now." 
If a full knee construction wasn't dramatic enough, Johns also picked up an infection and a blood clot following the initial surgery, while concerns were raised a month ago that he may have had a cyst on the joint. "There has been some drama on and off but it's OK now," he said. "The knee feels great. I've been to the doctor and he has given me a good report. The most important thing is the graft they did to repair the ligament is rock solid. Two months ago, I was still struggling to straighten my leg but that is improving all the time. I'm not there (100 per cent) yet but I'm not far away and will be doing as much as I can. I'll just be off the pace a little bit." 
Medical complications were not the only source of upheaval in Johns's life the past six months as the tug of war for his services between rugby league and rugby union dominated headlines during the football season. Johns eventually opted to sign a two-year deal with the Knights but admitted to pondering what might have happened if he had switched codes. "I obviously think about it from time to time and a part of me will probably always wonder about what might have been had I gone that way," he said. "But I made the call in the end to stay with the Knights for all the right reasons and I am happy with it." 
Johns said he also hadn't given up hope of playing representative football again but wanted to earn his spot on his own merits. "I'd love to play again and playing under Ricky Stuart at Origin level is something that really appeals to me but I am not going to play if I am off the pace," he said. "I don't want the selectors picking me unless I am playing out of my skin and deserve it when the time comes." 

Johns keen but cautious over rep future -  8 November 2004
Andrew Johns says he will retire from representative rugby league if he feels his form doesn't warrant selection in his comeback from a knee reconstruction.  An eager Johns returned to training with his Newcastle club for the first time since suffering a serious knee injury in round three of the 2004 NRL season. The 30-year-old former Australian captain said he would love to captain NSW again under new coach Ricky Stuart in the 2005 State Of Origin series but it depended on whether he could re-discover his zip after knee reconstruction surgery. "I'll see how I'm going," said Johns, when asked about his representative ambitions for next year. If I'm not playing well enough I won't put the pressure on anyone or myself to be picked. I'll just retire from rep footy. I'd definitely like to have a go at it but I'll see after a couple of rounds (in the NRL) how I am playing." 
"My main focus over the next couple of years is going to be the Knights. If I think I am playing well enough to be considered (for representative teams) I will put my hand up."   Knights coach Michael Hagan said his major concern was to ease Johns through the pre-season but he admitted it would be difficult because of the halfback's whole-hearted approach to the game. "We'll try to convince him of what we think he needs to do but that's not always easy," said Hagan. 
Johns expressed surprise at the rapid pace of his recovery from the knee injury which left him a frustrated spectator as the Knights missed the NRL finals series for the first time since 1996. "I thought I would be going half pace but I was up around eighty, eighty five per cent. There was no pain at all," said Johns after his first club training session. It's really surprised me how good its come up." 
Commonly regarded as the world's best player, Johns said he was "stoked" to be back on the paddock even though the 2005 NRL season is four months away. 
"Honestly last night I felt like a kid before some sports carnival. I couldn't sleep, I sprung out of bed this morning, I was stoked to be here, it's unbelievable."

Johns back and ready to cut loose 
Newcastle's Andrew Johns returned to the training paddock yesterday, and the Knights star is as hungry as ever, writes Jessica Halloran.  He said he first tested out his knee with a little disco dancing. But yesterday things became serious when Andrew Johns laced up his shiny silver football boots and glided over the green turf for the first time in eight months. On a quiet training paddock on the outskirts of Newcastle, Johns didn't drop a pass, he checked his pulse once, laughed heartily, chased and booted the ball around for more than two hours.  In one exercise the Knights captain jumped and swivelled his body and reconstructed knee over and over. How did that feel, Joey? "I've been doing them all off-season at nightclubs, no problems at all there," Johns laughed. "The honest answer is: it's really surprised me how good it's come up today." 
He then grabbed his big right thigh and shook it. The plump bit of muscle wobbled. "The leg as you can see is probably a bit wasted, compared to the other one," he said. "I've got about four centimetres to make up. Once all the muscle bulk comes up it will be fine." 
The trick now is for Johns not to be too excessive in his training. The Knights fitness conditioners are warning him, "Just take it easy", which is hard for a man who likes to do everything helter-skelter. I was running and there was no pain at all, so hopefully it's full steam ahead," Johns said at the close of his first session - a dripping ice pack bandaged around the troublesome knee. "I thought I'd do everything, I thought I'd be at half pace but I was up around 80 per cent. No pain at all." 
Knights coach Michael Hagan is wary of Johns's all-or-nothing attitude. "I'd have to say it's my main concern at the moment, because he is so enthusiastic and he is so keen to rip into everything," Hagan said.  "We'll try and talk to him as he goes and try and convince him. It's not always easy." 
In the off-season Johns has been "flat out surfing", as well as doing gym and bike work. All he's aching to do now is play footy. "Honestly, last night I was like a kid before a sports carnival at school," he said. "I couldn't sleep, I sprung out of bed this morning, I was stoked to be here." 
He grinned so hard as he trained it must have been hurting his tanned cheeks by the end of the session. "I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. When you are injured you just don't feel a part of the club, don't feel a part of the boys. It's a weird feeling." 
Johns sported whiskers on his chin, he looked as if he was home again and he was full of animation, pointing here and there during drills. He debated tactics and passes with the coach. "He's just letting everyone know he's back," someone observed from the sidelines.  The captain took young blokes aside and quietly instructed one how to step into a pass. "That's better, that's it," Johns said, watching the rookie pass again. The rookie was chuffed with the Johns treatment. 
Johns wore a red cap emblazoned with "Ole!" and when he sat in a circle with the rest of the squad and stretched he happily quipped to no one in particular: "This is the first time I've stretched since round three." Everyone listened to his words. Hagan said Johns injected sessions with a fierce competitiveness. "He just adds another dimension to the atmosphere at training ... he's keener than most at the moment," Hagan said. Johns said he wanted to play representative footy again and improve other areas of his game if his knee would not give him the same speed. "I've got to work really hard to get that back but really my game isn't solely based around speed ... it's more around subtleties with the ball," he said. "Hopefully I can get some of that zip back and improve in other areas." 
As Johns inches his way back to pulling on a guernsey there's already talk of doom. What if something major happens again? Another knee, a shoulder popped? 
It would be all over, Johns said. And Hagan? "I might pull the pin as well," he joked. 

Johns fit, say Knights -  9 December, 2004
ANDREW Johns was "fine" despite undergoing a bone scan on his back, Newcastle said today. "He trained a full session today," said Knights spokesman Steve Crowe. He's fine - it's just a back problem like every player has got. The paper up here (in Newcastle) did a story on it but seriously, he was only ever going to miss two days of training. It's just because it's Joey, but no-one was really worried, including Andrew." 
The Newcastle Herald reported Johns was unable to train with the rest of the team after his injury and was reduced to swimming laps instead. Johns has had a dreadful recent run with injury. He suffered a serious back injury during a 2002 semi-final against St George Illawarra, an equally serious neck injury last year and his comeback in 2004 was short lived after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament against Parramatta in March. But Crowe said Johns wouldn't miss any game time as a result of his current back problem. The Knights play trials against Penrith on February 19 and Cronulla on February 26 before opening their NRL campaign against Melbourne at Olympic Park on the weekend of March 11.

Charges dropped in Johns stalking case - 9 December 2004
The second of two sisters charged over allegedly threatening the girlfriend of Newcastle Knights rugby league star Andrew Johns has had the charges against her dropped. Melissa Jane Essam, 23, appeared in Orange Local Court today. She was charged with stalking Johns's girlfriend in May this year. The police alleged the sisters threatened Catherine Mahoney over the work phone and by letter. But magistrate Jan Stevenson dismissed the charges after Ms Essam was deemed to have been suffering from a mental illness at the time of the alleged offences. The case against Ms Essam's older sister was last week dismissed on similar grounds. 
Both women have been ordered to continue treatment for their conditions and forbidden from contacting Johns or his girlfriend.