Johns faces new torture -  18 April, 2005
A CANDID Andrew Johns said not so long ago that one more serious injury would spell the end of his illustrious career.  But that day of reckoning is still in the distance despite Johns, regarded as one of the game's greatest players, breaking his jaw and his teammates' and fans' hearts yesterday.  A miserable day for the Knights was capped as they lost to the Warriors in the final 60 seconds after seemingly having the match in their keeping.  But Johns' manager John Fordham last night said his client had made it clear he planned to resume as soon as his jaw heals. "To allay concerns the injury might be a career-ending one, I can assure you Andrew will be back playing in the 2005 season," Fordham said. What was supposed to be a day of celebration, with the Knights opening their new grandstand, turned sour as they were left to count the cost of yet another defeat.  In addition, a crippling injury toll has Johns sidelined for up to eight weeks, while Daniel Abraham is out for the season after sustaining a double fracture to his right leg in the 26th minute.  Johns was taken from the field to the dressing-room, then immediately to the offices of a dental surgeon. He was operated on last night.  You could almost feel the hearts of the Knights players, officials and fans sink when the champion halfback left the paddock with 14 minutes left and the badly wounded Knights clinging to a 26-16 lead. Unfortunately for the home side, Johns' injury was too much. Down 20-0 after 29 minutes and 26-10 after 52 minutes, the Warriors charged home on the back of a huge weight of possession and Newcastle's injury toll. Francis Meli's last-minute try snatched a 30-26 win. Johns came off second best when he tackled Warriors fullback Jerome Ropati as he tried desperately to marshal his men. His head collided sickeningly with Ropati's shoulder and he hit the turf immediately. 
As he staggered to his feet it was obvious Johns was in serious trouble as he clutched his jaw. "I knew it was serious because Joey just doesn't come off the field," coach Michael Hagan said. Hagan's worst fears were confirmed when Knights medical officer Peter McGeoch revealed Johns had broken his mandible, the bone of the lower jaw. "It's at the top end of jaw injuries," McGeoch said. "He will require surgery and I'd say he will be out for between six and eight weeks. Joey was in an awful lot of pain in the dressing-room and was obviously very disappointed. He didn't say much ... you can't say much anyway with a broken jaw." 
The injury is a bitter blow to Johns, who only returned to football six weeks ago after missing most of last season following a knee reconstruction. Johns said recently he doubted he would be able to fight back and play again if he suffered another serious, long-term injury. The cruel part about his latest setback is that Johns, who was overlooked for Test selection last week, was finally starting to show the sort of form that has made him the stand-out player of the competition for more than a decade. He looked good in the loss against South Sydney last week, and was close to his very best yesterday. He set up three of Newcastle's five tries with his superb passing and kicking. He was totally dominant. It was even suggested that had Friday's Test against New Zealand been two weeks later Johns, if he had stayed healthy, would have been back in the green and gold, such was his input while he was on the field yesterday. Warriors coach Tony Kemp and captain Steve Price were in awe of Johns' performance. "We were playing Andrew Johns into the Test team in the first half," Kemp said. "He was outstanding. We had no answer to him." 
Price said he felt for Johns. "That's terrible news for the Knights and for him," Price said. "He has had a terrible run with injuries but has fought his way back like all champions do. He was sensational out there today ... back to his best. He never stopped encouraging his teammates." 
You have to wonder what Newcastle has done wrong to deserve the wretched luck it has endured over the past couple of seasons. The Knights have been buckling under a crippling injury toll, especially this season, and it has had a terrible effect on their performances. Newcastle is the only side without a win this season and has lost all five games in 2005. Hagan tried his best to remain upbeat in the wake of the latest disaster. "The loss is obviously very disappointing for the players and fans," Hagan said. "The effort and execution in the first half deserved a better outcome. It is (more) heartbreaking in terms of the injured players. It is just really hard to explain how I feel for the players. The team was outstanding. It was a tremendous effort given we were wounded." 
The winless Knights finished the match with just one player on the interchange bench. The last word was left to Hagan, something he saved for when the tape recorders and television cameras and lights had been turned off. "Torture, this game is sheer torture," Hagan said as he slowly shook his head.
 

"I knew it was serious because Joey just doesn't come off the field," said Michael Hagan.  The last word was left to Hagan, something he saved for when the tape recorders and television cameras and lights had been turned off. "Torture, this game is sheer torture," Hagan said as he slowly shook his head.

I'll be back -  18 April, 2005
ANDREW Johns could still be back for State of Origin despite suffering a broken jaw yesterday.  His horror run of injuries has continued and it all but ends the Knights hopes of making an impact on the NRL season this year.  Johns was just starting to get back to the form which made him the best player in the world. 
He had five games under his belt and his struggling club appeared ready to record their first win of the season. But it all fell in a miserable heap. Without him the Knights are impotent and with six rounds already gone and no victories on the board the season is all but over for them. For Johns there are no doubts his injury plagued career will continue. "To allay concerns the injury might be a career ending one, I can assure you Andrew will be back playing in the 2005 NRL season," his manager John Fordham said last night. While Johns was obviously disappointed last night it's understood he is intent on getting himself back in the minimum of six weeks and be available for the Origin series. Blues selectors would give Johns every chance to stake his claim. The first game on May 25 could be a touch too early but the second and third matches could be possible. Yesterday's injury adds to an already bad collection of serious injuries. In 2002 he suffered a career threatening neck injury followed by tearing a cruciate ligament in his knee which put him out of last season. For the Knights the picture is far less rosy. They have been rocked by injury all year with the match against the Warriors was to be a celebration with the return of Danny Buderus to partner Johns and Kurt Gidley at the ruck. Just how the Knights will handle the loss of Johns for the coming weeks is a factor the coach, Michael Hagan and his staff will contemplate over the coming days. "We can't speculate on that [at the moment] . . . we've been through it before," Knights coach Michael Hagan said. "It's a real blow to the footy team at the moment to be honest. I think Joey was nearly getting back to his best today. Danny Buderus and he were working really well together and Kurt Gidley. All those things we were looking forward to, and we haven't seen that for a while, so that's more hard work, for the players and everyone else as well." 
At the 65-minute mark, with the Knights seemingly in control at 26-16, Johns was helped from the field holding his jaw after a collision with Warriors fullback Jerome Ropati. The point of Ropati's left shoulder collected Johns flush on the jaw and he went immediately to the sheds for an assessment by medical officer Peter McGeoch. "Andrew is probably out for six to eight weeks with a fractured jaw," McGeoch told The Daily Telegraph.  Johns was having surgery on the injury last night. I had only just come back on," Buderus said of taking over the team leadership role in Johns' absence.

I'll be back training by Friday: Johns -  18 April 18, 2005 
The iron man of the NRL - star Newcastle halfback Andrew Johns - is showing no signs of rust, vowing to return to training by Friday just hours after facial surgery.  Despite suffering his fourth serious injury in as many seasons, Johns, 30, doesn't plan to slow down after having a steel plate inserted in his fractured jaw.  Johns was described by Newcastle doctor Neil Halpin as "the toughest man I've ever met" after the former Golden Boot winner planned to make an NRL return in just a month despite an initial six to eight week prognosis.  His father Gary Johns was even more upbeat after visiting his son in a Newcastle hospital.
He said his son wanted to be back at training "by the end of the week".
"He's not negative at all, he's quite positive about it. He's fine, there's no worries there," he said. Knights doctor Halpin was more conservative, expecting Johns to return to training in three weeks and playing again in six. He is without a doubt the toughest man I've ever met, mentally and physically," Halpin said. 
Johns broke his jaw trying to tackle New Zealand Warriors fullback Jerome Ropati in the Knights' heartbreaking 30-26 loss at Newcastle. It added to his horrific record which included season-ending injuries in 2004 (knee), 2003 (neck) and 2002 (back). Knights CEO Ken Conway did not expect Johns' injury to hamper Newcastle's chances of finally sealing a major naming rights sponsor. "No, I don't think so. The companies that we are talking to realise the structure of the game and realise injuries are part of it," he said. "They understand the product is the brand and the club's reputation - while Joey is part of that they will understand he will only be off the field for six weeks."
Knights coach Michael Hagan described Johns as "very positive" and his manager John Fordham reiterated that his star charge would not be hanging up his boots.
"I think he is on record saying if he had another serious injury he would re-think his future but he doesn't consider a broken jaw a serious injury," Fordham said.
The stage was set for a memorable day for the Knights with EnergyAustralia Stadium re-opening a new grandstand for its first home game of 2005.
And incumbent Test hooker Danny Buderus was finally making his return from shoulder/elbow surgery. But it all went pear-shaped as the Knights folded following Johns' first half injury and the Warriors overcame a 20-0 deficit to seal a memorable victory. However, the Knights were looking for positives in the fallout over yet another Johns injury. "You add the broken leg to Daniel Abraham who is out for the season and it is very unfortunate," Buderus said. "It's pretty disheartening but another week, another challenge.  All we can do is stay positive, we've got to keep our heads up." 
Hagan tried to keep Johns' injury in perspective. "He's been through worse injuries than the one he has experienced now - he knows he has a certain amount of time left in the game and he wants to make the most of this year and next year," he said. Newcastle firmed as wooden spoon favourites at $1.70 according to sports TAB NSW, ahead of Souths $4.

Quitting never entered my mind - April 19, 2005 
ANDREW Johns is planning to resume training in just over a week and to be back playing for his embattled Newcastle Knights by round 12. 
Johns walked out of Newcastle Private Hospital late yesterday after surgery to repair his fractured jaw and declared: "Retirement never went into my head." 
News of Joey's determination to return to league as soon as possible despite his wretched run of serious injuries came as a massive morale boost for the struggling Knights. NRL officials will also breathe a sigh of relief to hear one of the game's greatest players won't be walking away. "No way in the world will I retire. It was just a freakish accident that happened and I'll be right to train in a week or so," Johns said. "I can't wait to get back." 
Rugby league supporters everywhere were stunned by the news bulletin that Johns – still on the comeback trail after a knee reconstruction – had suffered a broken jaw while leading the Knights' in their first home game of the season on Sunday. Coach Michael Hagan was last night relieved to learn his captain will be back on deck inside two months. "It is a better outcome for him than we first thought," Hagan said. "It is good news for him and the team." 
At the 65-minute mark in the Knights' 30-26 loss to the Warriors, Johns was left clutching at the left side of his face after a collision with Jerome Ropati. 
Before the injury Johns showed why he is still considered one of the best players in the world with some trademark cut-out passes, strong tackling and deft field kicking. "It's disappointing considering [Sunday] I thought was the best game I've played this season," Johns said. "I was happy with the way I went personally and it was great to play in front of the big stadium. I stepped off the right foot a few times and drove off it a few times in defence. It has made me even hungrier so I can't wait to get back." 
Johns left the ground without knowledge of the loss. When he left the field the Knights were leading 26-16 and appeared to be in control. "I was shattered to find out we didn't win the game," Johns said. Knights medical officer Peter McGeoch said the operation performed by Dr Paul Lloyd Coceancig had gone to plan. 
"He'll be sucking food through a straw for the next few days and he'll be on supplements to avoid losing too much body weight and strength," McGeoch said. 
Johns' parents Gary and Gail were relieved to hear their son's surgery had gone well but said six weeks was sooner than they would like. "Hopefully for the team it is only six weeks but I'd probably want to see him sit out for eight weeks . . . just to make sure everything is OK," Gary Johns said. 

Heads up Joey, it's a worry -  24 Apr 05 
RUGBY league immortal Artie Beetson has advised Andrew Johns to change the way he plays if he wants to prolong his injury ravaged career.  Beetson believes a tackling technique problem has contributed to the champion Newcastle halfback's string of injuries in recent years. The former international spoke of his concerns after Johns broke his jaw attempting a tackle in last weekend's loss to the New Zealand Warriors. Beetson revealed he has spoken to Johns in the past about his technical problem. "He's basically a right-shouldered tackler and he gets his head in front a lot," Beetson, a national selector, said. "I'm not sure if that was the case last week or not, but the week before he got a knock because of the same thing. The one flaw in his game is he keeps getting his head in front. I spoke to him about it at an awards night about a year ago. I asked him if he's tried to fix it, because he's copped some horrendous injuries. I said to him I think it had a fair bit to do with his neck injury (in 2003), because of all the stress over the years from getting his head in front (of the ball runner). I noticed it a few years ago when he was knocked around a few times in one game against the Warriors. That's when I realised that, hell, the world's best player is defensively flawed." 
Johns is expected back for the Knights in six to eight weeks. The damage was done last Sunday when he attempted to stop flying Warriors fullback Jerome Ropati. As Ropati angled in at Johns's left shoulder, he collected the former Test captain on the jaw. The fractured jaw follows season-ending knee, back and neck injuries since 2002. Beetson says it may be too late in Johns's career to teach him to use his left shoulder more in defence. 
"It's probably hard at his age to get out of it. It's something that should have been detected a few years ago," Beetson said. "Just being a right-shouldered tackler leaves you open. The Warriors came back in on him when he was defending on the right. He's obviously got to do a lot more work on his left shoulder. It's terrible to say when you're talking about probably the best footballer in the world, but he's got to learn to tackle again." 
Newcastle coach Michael Hagan said last week's incident was more of a freak occurrence than a technique problem. "The tackle he made had to be made. He put himself in the collision," Hagan said. "His defensive technique and the stuff he did last week is the best he's been in terms of getting his confidence back and having the ability to drive in again. He's put his head in the wrong place at other times and they are things we've worked on and he's aware of it. The example the other day was freakish. The game is so fast that it's sometimes hard to get yourself in the absolute perfect position. I don't know exactly what 'Beetso' is referring to, but the game is so fast now and it has an effect on tackling technique. Adrian Morley is a good example too. When blokes change direction so quickly, it's hard to get yourself in the textbook position." 

Jinxed Joey's Blues boost -  May 9, 2005
ANDREW Johns is poised to today join some of the game's blossoming rookies in a preliminary NSW State of Origin squad that could include up to 30 players.
Johns has had a wretched season through injury but is ready to be named in the initial squad given his superlative record in State of Origin football. Blues coach Ricky Stuart said last night he did not want the preliminary squad to be restricted by any set number. It had been decided the squad would consist of 22 players but that number has now grown by about eight. The squad will combine youth with some of the NRL's most hardened veterans. The Blues' final squad will be cut back to 18 next Monday. Newcastle hooker Danny Buderus is favourite to retain the captaincy but Trent Barrett and Brett Kimmorley also have claims to lead NSW in the first Origin match at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, on May 25. Stuart said he wanted every player deserving of a place in the squad to be named -- even if the squad balloons to nearly 30 players. "I don't want to be restricted by any set number," Stuart said. "Any player who has the ability to play State of Origin should be named in the preliminary squad. "It's important they know where they stand in the selectors' eyes." 
Stuart said the extended squad would be of benefit when NSW was cut down by injury and possible suspension during the three-game series. The squad itself will be powerful with rising stars Anthony Tupou, Anthony Watmough, Dean Young and Ben Creagh having considerable support among the selection panel of Laurie Daley, Bob Fulton, Geoff Gerard and Bob McCarthy. These four players are seen as long-term State of Origin players. Johns continues to recover from a broken jaw and may not return for another two to three weeks, he would not be available for Origin 1. But his Origin experience will at least be enough to win selection in the 30-man squad. Stuart is known to be a fan of Dragons rookies Young and Creagh. 

Hagan baffled at Johns' exclusion -  May 10, 2005
NEWCASTLE and Queensland coach Michael Hagan said yesterday he was disappointed the NSW selectors had left Andrew Johns out of a preliminary 30-man squad for the State of Origin series. Johns, a veteran of 21 games for the Blues and captain of the winning team in 2003, was the most notable omission from the squad which will be trimmed to 17 on Monday for Origin I at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on May 25. The winless Knights have only one representative in hooker Danny Buderus. Hagan said he felt selectors could have also found room for Johns and Country's Steve Simpson and Matt Gidley. "I would have assumed he (Johns) would have made the 30 so I'm not sure about that," Hagan said yesterday. The series is over three games and if he's part of their plans he's entitled to be named but that's for NSW to work through." 
The 30-man squad includes only two halfbacks with Cronulla and Test incumbent Brett Kimmorley tipped to have the edge over Penrith and City half Craig Gower. The fact Johns was left out is something of a blow for the Knights captain, given he had stated his intention to return and take part in the series after he had broken his jaw against the Warriors. "Definitely my priority is with the Knights but it would be a nice bonus to get a game in Origin as well," Johns told the Nine Network last night. NSW coach Ricky Stuart defended the decision to omit Johns, who is still a fortnight away from making his comeback, saying he was mentioned before being discarded. But all is not lost for Johns, with the Blues coach indicating that he could still play a part in the series. "He's (Johns) had a very unfortunate season in regards to injury," Stuart said. "He's got the ability to play at this level and higher levels as he's shown before and we haven't named him because we didn't want to place him under any more pressure. It's important now for Andrew Johns to come back and start playing football more so than having to worry about Origin. We're comfortable with the squad we've named." 

Joey ready to return for Knights -  May 24, 2005
While Newcastle suffered another blow, they enjoyed a rare glimpse of sunshine with halfback Andrew Johns on target for a return next week. Prop Josh Perry has accepted a five-match ban after lodging an early guilty plea for a reckless high tackle on St George Illawarra front rower Michael Henderson, but Craig Smith escaped a ban with a guilty plea on a careless high tackle charge. "It's a massive blow," Knights assistant coach Craig Miller said of Perry's suspension.
But the winless Knights, who have the bye this week and host the Broncos on June 5, are set to be boosted by the return from injury of a handful of key players including Johns. Riley Brown, Kurt Gidley, Kirk Reynoldson, Todd Lowrie and David Seage are also possible inclusions next week. "Joey (Johns) is up here also (at the Queensland Academy of Sport), continuing the rehabilitation on his knee," Miller said from Brisbane. "I was with him this morning. It's going really, really well. He's training hard and really looking forward to a return.So I'm sure he'll get the (medical) clearance. We've got the bye this week and that helps even more.
But mate he is raring to go so that's exciting. Our medical staff were telling us that round 13 was going to be the week when a lot of the players would be making their return. So that's been exciting and we've obviously been working towards that."  The 31-year-old Johns broke his jaw in the round six match against the Warriors in Newcastle. The former Test skipper is also doing post-operative rehabilitation work on his knee.

Bring back Joey -  May 27, 2005
A PUSH for the great Andrew Johns to save NSW's State or Origin campaign is gathering momentum in the aftermath to Wednesday night's heartbreaking loss to Queensland. While halfback Brett Kimmorley retains unqualified support among selectors – despite an unfortunate performance in Origin I – talk has centred on Johns securing a bench position for the return match in Sydney on June 15. Johns was used off the interchange bench during the 2000 Origin series and had a remarkable impact. In game two of that series, Johns came on just before half-time – with NSW behind 4-0 – and played one of his greatest games . Johns made 12 runs for 70 metres, including five offloads, one line break, two line break assists and two try assists to inspire NSW to a commanding 28-10 victory. There are also fears that Johns would be considerably underdone for the intensity of Origin football. But Roach's former NSW teammate Benny Elias also said Johns must be selected in the Blues' 17-man squad. "I'd have him in there," Elias said. "He's one of the all-time great players. "And Johns is a big-match player. We need that, given NSW is one-down in the series. Brett Kimmorley should stay at halfback. But there would be nothing wrong with Johns coming off the bench."
Johns' club coach, Michael Hagan, also the Queensland coach, is adamant his halfback would be ready. "I think that he's going to be ready physically, based on how much work he's done and the fact that he has played four or five games earlier in the year," Hagan said yesterday. "I guess it's just a matter getting a bit of confidence again, given the injury he's coming back from. If it's fully healed and if he plays well against Brisbane, you'd think he'd be in their thoughts. Personally, I'd pick him – having known him for so long and knowing what he can do."
Incumbent NSW halfback Kimmorley was unconcerned at Johns presence. "I'm fine. Andrew Johns was fit for game one," Kimmorley said yesterday. The former NSW and Test captain will return from a broken jaw in Newcastle's next match against Brisbane in round 13 – the Knights have a round 12 bye – and confirmed to The Daily Telegraph last night that he would be available for Origin II. NSW have only lost eight of the 21 matches when Johns has represented the Blues. "He's the best player in the world – I'd bring him into the 17 somewhere," said former Test prop Steve Roach. "I would give Brett Kimmorley another chance at halfback though. He had an off-night in the opening match but deserves another go. "But Joey could come off the bench. He can cover half, five-eighth, lock and hooker. I don't think it would be a huge gamble. A lot of people from NSW would want him in there even if he was hobbling."

Johns' inaction will count against him: Daley -  May 29, 2005 
NSW selector Laurie Daley has thrown doubt over star halfback Andrew Johns' chances of Origin II selection despite increasing pressure on incumbent Blues No.7 Brett Kimmorley. And the man himself - Johns - revealed playing the second Origin clash at Telstra Stadium on June 15 was the "furtherest from my mind".
Daley said there was no doubting Johns' class but admitted his recent inaction would go against him when selectors meet to decide the Origin II line-up. "We all know how good he is. I'm just concerned about the amount of rugby league he has played over the last 18 months," he said. 
After returning from a knee reconstruction, Johns played just three games for Newcastle before breaking his jaw and underwent surgery on April 17. He has worked hard to regain full fitness and should play again for last placed Knights - win-less after 12 NRL rounds - in their clash against Brisbane at Newcastle on Sunday. Because of Newcastle's bye this weekend, Johns has just one game to press his NSW Origin II selection claims before the Blues team is announced.
And what a clash it promises to be - Johns is expected to test his new-found mettle against a Queensland-strength Brisbane outfit. But it may be too little, too late judging by Daley's comments. Certainly Johns was not thinking about playing against the Maroons despite completing a recovery program at Brisbane's Queensland Academy of Sport on the advice of Broncos head coach Wayne Bennett. "That's the furtherest from my mind, I just want to get back and play for the Knights," he told Nine Network. If anything happened that would be sensational but it's the furtherest thing from my mind."
But Johns was confident of impressing for Newcastle - which has suffered 10 straight losses thanks to help from the "enemy" - the QAS program. "It's a program they have in place for players coming back from knee reconstructions - they've taken training to a new level,"" he said. "Every day I turn up terrified of what they are going to put in front of me. "I feel that strong and fit. I can't wait to get back on the field. Before I got injured I wasn't playing that well because of a few factors.
My knee wasn't probably back to where I wanted it to be and my confidence was right down- I think now with all this training, the confidence will be back."
And his jaw?
"The jaw is good. I had a taste of steak the other night. It took me about a minute to eat a mouthful but it felt good to chew it," Johns laughed.
Kimmorley could even see the "funny" side of his Origin I fallout after he threw the fateful final pass intercepted by Queensland reserve Matt Bowen, sealing the Maroons' 24-20 victory last Wednesday night. Kimmorley again left the field a frustrated man on Saturday night after his NRL club Cronulla was beaten 34-26 by Parramatta. "The best part about the other night (State of Origin) was that we played again today," Kimmorley said. "The funny part about it is the harder you try the worse you go I think, so I tried not to come here today with too much to prove."
Former NSW coach Phil Gould - who "has the ear" of current Blues mentor Ricky Stuart - on Sunday threw his weight behind Kimmorley, for now. "I have no doubt in my mind that if this team were to go around again in Sydney they will win," he told Nine Network. "Brett Kimmorley should be given a second chance with all other 16 players and they will win in Sydney - as for winning the third one at Lang Park, I don't know. "People talk about Andrew Johns, I would be giving Andrew Johns five weeks to say 'show me you are ready for game three'."

Johns reveals frustrations -  June 1, 2005
ANDREW Johns has been sidelined for the past seven weeks with a broken jaw. Johns talks exclusively to The Daily Telegraph about his frustrations, expectations and Origin aspirations.
Q: First up, how is your jaw?
A: It feels really strong. I'll see the surgeon on Friday to get the final all-clear but there won't be any dramas. I ate a big steak the other night and didn't feel a thing and they reckon that is the best gauge.
Q: What about confidence. Is that going to be a problem?
A: No, not once I get out there. I've already teed it up with Steve Simpson to do some contact stuff at training on Thursday so I'll give it a good workout there.
Q: You don't have any fears of breaking it again?
A: None at all. The surgeon told me the point will be as strong as it was before the injury so I'm comfortable with that. I'll be just getting out there and ripping in like it never happened.
Q: So you won't be pulling back a little defensively just to be on the safe side?
A: Even if I wanted to, I doubt it would happen. Once I get out there, I just play the only way I know how and if they run at me, I'm going to try and tackle them. You try and play it safe and that is when you get hurt.
Q: Given your terrible run with injuries, how do you stay positive through it all?
A: It is purely an enjoyment thing. I just love training - I get a lot of personal satisfaction out of training really hard. The games themselves, that's what you live for. The frustrating part for me with the injuries is when I've not been able to do anything but sit around. You just have to keep reminding yourself that you will be better.
Q: How will you cope with the enormous weight of expectation on you come Sunday?
A: Mate, I'm used to that now. It's just the expectation I put on myself that I worry about now. I want to play a good, solid game. Early in my career, I might have told you I was ready to come out and dominate. But I am not as young and reckless as I used to be. As you get older, you become more of a realist.
Q: So on your own personal rating scale, what would satisfy you performance-wise, then, on Sunday?
A: I'd be happy to play only average as long as we win. It is not about me, it is about the team.
Q: Is all this Origin talk surrounding you flattering?
A: It's flattering, sure, but as I said, I'm more of a realist now. I've only played the equivalent of seven games in a season and a half and only have one game back before the team is chosen. I wouldn't hesitate to play if they picked me but I don't think it is going to happen.
Q: Not even if you have a big game on Sunday?
A: It probably wouldn't hurt, a big performance but it is not my mindset to go out there with an Origin spot on the line. My mindset is to go out there and do whatever I can to help the side get over the line.
Q: Have you and Blues coach Ricky Stuart spoken about Origin since game one?
A: No, not at all. We've spoken in the past but Sticky is probably too busy. There is a fair bit on his plate.
Q: Given that you're up against Brisbane then, is this your own personal mini State of Origin?
A: It's just another game. That is the way I have to look at it because I don't want to build it up to be something it isn't.
Q: The Broncos are on top of the ladder and the Knights are yet to win a game. It's going to be a tall order to break the drought against them isn't it?
A: Yeah, they are the form side and they have the luxury of having just about all their players on deck and playing well. 
 

Andrew Johns returned from a broken jaw against Brisbane Bronco's but was unable to prevent the winless Knights suffering their 11th straight loss.  Johns was impressive in his comeback infront of a packed home crowd of 22,423. Despite all the hype, Johns was not picked for the second SOO.

Knights' Skipper back to put bite on Broncos
Newcastle Knights captain Andrew Johns has been given the green light to return against Brisbane at EnergyAustralia Stadium on Sunday and will play out the rest of the season with a metal plate in his jaw. Johns, who has not played since breaking his jaw against the warriors at EAS on April 17th, will see an oral surgeon this week for a final clearance, but that is considered a formality as he prepares for Newcastle worst-versus-first battle against the Broncos.  Still chasing their first win of the year, Knights welcome back NSW pair Danny Buderus and Steve Simpson from Origin duty and hope Kirk Reynoldson (shoulder), Kurt Gidley (knee, shoulder), David Seage (knee), Todd Lowri (kidney) and Craig Hall (knee) join Johns from the injured list. There was speculation when Johns sustained the injury he would have the plate removed before playing again, but he said that would only delay his return and he was content to leave it until the end of the season.
Knights Medical Consultant Dr Neil Halpin saw Johns yesterday and said the 31 year old former NSW and Australian captain was at no greater risk of further damage by pursuing that course of action. “Andrew tells me that his jaw feels good. He will see an oral surgeon this week for a clearance but everything seems in order”. Dr Halpin said. “Playing with a plate is not an issue with a jaw. The jaw is not weight bearing and the plate will come out eventually so I don’t see a problem with that.”
The match winning half-back hopes to pick up where he left off before his latest set back against the Warriors. Having struggled through the first four games of the season, Johns was back to something resembling the form which defined his career before his ill-fated collision with Jerome Ropati’s shoulder in the final quarter of the match. Since then, Johns has poured all his energy into strengthening his right knee by training several days each week at the Queensland Academy of Sport. Following a program designed specifically for athletes recovering from reconstructive knee surgery. Speaking on the Sunday Footy Show, Johns said he would attack the second half of the season with more confidence than when he resumed at the start of the year. “I can’t wait to get back probably because I’m training that hard, I know I’m really ready but also because before I got injured I wasn’t playing that well for a few factors.” Johns Said. “My knee probably wasn’t back to where I’d like it to be and my confidence was right down. But now with all this training, my confidence will be back and I’m just stinging to play.”
Johns said he was not contemplating a recall to the NSW team at the expense of Brett Kimmorley for Origin II in Sydney on June 15 but still harbored a desire to participate in this year’s series. “I just want to get back to play for the Knights,” he said. “If anything like that [origin] happened it would be sensational but it’s the furthest thing from my mind.”
Dr Halpin said Gidley and Seage would see orthopedic surgeon Dr Michael Johnson in Sydney later this week for clearances but rated both players as “Good Chances” to be available to play the Broncos. As the Knights continue to pore over medical reports on their injured players, the Broncos have the luxury of having every one of their top 25 players available. Outright NRL leaders on 20 points, Brisbane’s only injury concerns are minor in their build-up to the game against the winless Knights (4), who doubled their points tally at the weekend with their second bye. Queensland Origin forward Tonie Carroll (calf) and Brad Thorn (sternum) and rising star David Stagg (shoulder) are all expected to be fit, but Coach Wayne Bennet has the luxury of resting some of his senior players.

Lockyer wary of Johns - 3 June, 2005
QUEENSLAND and Broncos skipper Darren Lockyer believes Newcastle champion Andrew Johns can force his way into the NSW team for Origin II with a big performance this weekend. Sitting a game clear on top of the ladder, Brisbane will travel to EnergyAustralia Stadium on Sunday for a meeting with the bottom-placed Knights, who have been buoyed by the return from injury of Johns and several other key players.  As well as Johns, Newcastle will welcome back five-eighth Kurt Gidley, fullback David Seage and utility forward Todd Lowrie from injury lay-offs, and hooker Danny Buderus and backrower Steve Simpson returning from Origin duty.  But all talk this week has focused on Johns' return from a broken jaw, sustained in the Knights' round-six loss to the Warriors, with speculation mounting the former Australia skipper could be called into the Blues squad at the expense of Cronulla's Brett Kimmorley.  While Johns has played down his chances of being part of the NSW squad to be announced on Monday, Lockyer said the playmaker could win his spot back in the Blues side with a good performance against Brisbane.  "I guess if I was him this would be the game where I would want to turn everything around for both the club and myself," Lockyer said. "From a team perspective, Newcastle are trying to salvage their season and personally it is the only chance Andrew has to prove he is ready for State of Origin football. I suppose the chances of Andrew playing in game two hinge on Sunday and while I know he is physically ready, the test will be to see if he is mentally up to where you need to be to play Origin football." 
While conceding Kimmorley, whom he has partnered in the halves for Australia for the past two years, would be unlucky to be dropped for the return match in Sydney, Lockyer said Johns brought unique qualities to every team in which he played.  "Brett is a great player who likes to run at the opposition," Lockyer said. 
"Andrew can do that but has also got that fantastic long passing game before the line to use. Their kicking games are fairly evenly matched but Andrew probably has an edge in his experience in being part of big games." 
By his own admission, Johns struggled in the early rounds this season after returning from a career-threatening knee injury. Even taking into account the poor form of Newcastle, Johns was well off the pace physically, struggling with his lateral defence and his usual penetration in attack was lacking. However, on the advice of Broncos and Australia coach Wayne Bennett, Johns has used his latest enforced absence to great advantage, working with a specialised trainer at the Queensland Academy of Sport in order to strengthen the knee. According to Lockyer, who is close friends with his Kangaroos team-mate, Johns is back to top fitness. 
"Having spoken to him, he wasn't physically 100 per cent at the start of the year, but now he is probably the fittest he has ever been," he said. "He'll give Newcastle some direction, which they've really missed in their close matches this year. He is the kind of player that makes everyone around him better as well, so this is a danger game for us. We can't look at Newcastle on the bottom of the ladder and think we will just walk away with a win." 
Having played with a chronic rib problem last season, Lockyer knows the doubts which circulate before comeback games and expects Johns to take some time to "find his rhythm".  However, the Broncos' star pivot was loath to write off Johns turning around the Knights' season, which has yet to yield a victory. "He's come back from serious injuries before and been just as damaging as always," Lockyer said. "He was starting to go okay before he broke his jaw, so he will probably have some doubts in his mind. Newcastle will obviously be hoping he can help them get their season on track, but he is only one man and you wouldn't think one man could turn around the year on his own. But then again, I will wait until Sunday to make a final judgment because he's Andrew Johns and he's done it before." 

Will they or won't they? Blues selectors ponder Joey conundrum -  By Craig Hamilton
To pick him or not to pick him - that is the question! 
I'm talking about Andrew Johns of course and over the next week debate will rage about whether the New South Wales selectors will include him for the second Origin game in Sydney or stick with Brett Kimmorley. Johns will play his comeback game against the Broncos in Newcastle on Sunday, six weeks after breaking his jaw against the New Zealand Warriors. Straight after game one Johns was asked a direct question by Peter Sterling on the Channel 9 panel discussing the match. He was asked if he would be available for game two, if selected. "I'll be ready" was the immediate reply. In an interview on ABC Radio last Saturday I asked Johns' Newcastle coach and Queensland Origin coach Michael Hagan if he would pick Johns for New South Wales if he comes through Sunday's match against Brisbane injury free and shows some good form. Hagan replied that he would. It was a difficult question for Hagan to answer objectively. If he says no he wouldn't pick him, Johns might be left thinking his club coach doesn't believe he's up to it. If he says yes, you might question which hat he's wearing - a Newcastle/Johns hat or a Queensland Origin hat? As Maroons coach he wants to win game two and the series so why would he endorse a way for the Blues to improve their side by picking Andrew Johns?
In other words my question on Saturday probably wasn't a fair one, given all the various responsibilities Michael has at the moment. Will the selectors pick him? My gut feeling is no. I have two reasons for thinking that. Firstly, game one was incredibly close. With four minutes to go New South Wales were leading by a point and on the verge of pulling off one of the greatest Origin comebacks ever. If NSW had hung on to win the game, we don't even have this discussion. So to make a significant change by axing Brett Kimmorley because he didn't have his best game and because he threw "that pass" could be considered a knee-jerk reaction to a close loss. New South Wales had very little possession in the first half of Origin I but with a decent share in the second 40 minutes he cut Queensland to pieces.
I don't think Brett Kimmorley will put two games like that back to back. The second reason I don't think the selectors will pick Andrew in game two is that at 30 years of age and just coming back from another injury, he is going to need more than 80 minutes against the Broncos to be sure that his body, mind and his game are ready for State of Origin. If there is a player who could do it, it would be A Johns, no doubt about it. I just don't think the selectors will gamble this time.
If it's one-all after Sydney and we head to Queensland for a decider, that's another thing altogether. See you at the footy!

Blues' white knight reveals a few chinks in his armour -  6 June, 2005
There was a delicious irony in Andrew Johns throwing an intercept pass during yesterday's loss to Brisbane. In his first game back from seven weeks out with a broken jaw, the former captain of Australia was easily Newcastle's best player in a 34-16 defeat at EnergyAustralia Stadium. He helped his side to a 10-0 lead early in the game and the ease with which he set up a final-minute try for lock Reegan Tanner was breathtaking. But after being promoted by some rugby league romantics as NSW's prodigal son for Origin II on June 15, the champion halfback showed he was human in the 71st and 75th minutes. First, he caught Broncos second-rower David Stagg high but escaped being placed on report. Then his cut-out pass was intercepted by Brisbane replacement Dane Carlaw, who raced 40 metres to make it 32-10. Long-serving Queensland coach Wayne Bennett put it all into perspective afterwards when he said the Blues' obsession with their No.7 jersey - after Brett Kimmorley's pass was intercepted for the Origin I matchwinner - was unhealthy. "NSW don't have a problem in their halves," the Brisbane coach said. "In the depth in their halves and the halves that they've picked, there's not a problem. They can put Joey Johns in there, they can put anyone they like in. If they keep getting beat like they did against Queensland in the yardage department and the go-forward … no halfback in the game can play behind that. Joey Johns, Brett Kimmorley, [Brett] Finch, whoever you want to put in there."  Johns should have been thrilled with his return. His form wasn't quite as dynamic as it was until he was injured against the Warriors seven weeks ago, but he was still compelling and coach Michael Hagan described his display as "extremely positive". But the missed opportunities and poor decisions of his last-placed team left him frustrated. "I was happy to get through injury-free … it feels like we're close but still so far away," said Johns, whom Bennett observed was "running out of gas".
"Stupid mistakes … I suppose it just goes with inexperience. We were making mistakes and I think every mistake, [Brisbane] scored off. We do it every week … it's hard to teach blokes. It's unforced errors when there's no pressure on us. We've got to get that out of our game. I felt good, fitness felt good. It felt like all the hard work I've done paid."

Johns back to save Blues in Origin II -  June 9, 2005 
Andrew Johns has made a dramatic return to the NSW Origin side, setting the scene for the champion halfback to become a saviour for the Blues.  NSW selectors called in Johns, 31, to replace injured halfback Trent Barrett, who was ruled out of Origin II at Telstra Stadium on Wednesday night with a torn thigh muscle.
Former NSW and Test skipper Johns has played just one NRL match since a seven-week absence with a broken jaw. Blues selectors originally left him out of the 17-man squad announced on Monday because he lacked match fitness, having played just six games since suffering a season-ending knee injury which kept him out of last year's Origin series. Barrett told reporters in Dubbo where the NSW players trained: "He's a great player. The scene is set for him now to come and save us."  Johns' brother Matthew said if anyone could lift for the occasion it was his younger brother, bringing back memories of halfback Allan Langer's recall from England to help Queensland win the 2001 series. "I can tell you when he arrives in that camp with the New South Wales side he'll lift them," said Johns.
But not everyone is pleased. Cronulla officials are fuming that their club skipper Brett Kimmorley was not given a reprieve following his dumping from the Blues side which lost game one in Brisbane. Penrith captain Craig Gower and Melbourne playmaker Matt Orford were also overlooked. "You're kidding!" was Sharks coach Stuart Raper's reaction upon hearing the news. I'm surprised to say the least but then again, nothing should really surprise me these days. He's had enough knockbacks in the last few weeks, he'll be disappointed but I know that he will just get on with it."
Cronulla general manager Steve Rogers added: "Their loss is our gain. I wish Joey every success but in relation to Brett, he's received enough kicks up the arse at this stage. "It flies in the face of common sense. Brett seems to be at the brunt of every criticism for the loss (in game one) and that's unfair."
Johns' former Newcastle teammate Paul Harragon issued a chilling warning to Queensland - underestimate Johns at your own peril. "He never ceases to amaze me. He really is a freakish bloke," said Harragon. "He's excited about the prospects of playing again. He won't let anyone down. Joey's always done well coming back from a spell with injury. Only he knows how fit he is and whether he can handle it or not. But I've got great respect for Joey and if he says he's right to go, then he's right to go."
Johns has a record of 11 wins, eight losses and two draws from 21 matches for the Blues since making his Origin debut in 1995. NSW has lost just two of its past 10 matches with Johns steering the side. He played six matches as Blues skipper in 2002 and 2003. "He's a champion," said ARL chief executive Geoff Carr.
"If he's one of the greatest players the game's ever seen then this sort of challenge is well within his capabilities."
Maroons coach Michael Hagan was not commenting but he's likely to have mixed feelings about Johns' return. He'll be happy to see the champion halfback playing again at an elite level but wary he could shred the Maroons to pieces in Origin II with his brilliance. Hagan will also be disappointed that Johns - along with fellow Blues Steve Simpson and Danny Buderus - will miss Newcastle's NRL clash with Parramatta on Saturday night at EnergyAustralia Stadium. The winless Knights, who have suffered 11 consecutive defeats, are reeling from on and off field dramas. Buderus will retain the Blues captaincy, meaning Johns will enter a representative team without the (c) next to his name for the first time since playing for NSW and Australia under Brad Fittler in 2000.

Why Joey was the only choice - June 10, 2005
NSW coach Ricky Stuart last night revealed why Andrew Johns was sensationally recalled to the State of Origin side for Wednesday's blockbuster, saying: "You just can't leave out a champion."
Johns - who has played just nine of his past 35 games through injury - was named in place of halfback Trent Baarrett, who failed to overcome a strained thigh muscle. Barrett was ruled out after a training run with NSW during a promotional visit to Dubbo. Selectors opted for the champion Johns ahead of sacked Brett Kimmorley, Penrith's Craig Gower and Melbourne's Matt Orford. Being a play-maker, Johns can slow the game down to suit his own fitness requirements.
"Joey was unlucky he wasn't initially chosen," Stuart told The Daily Telegraph. "You just can't leave a champion out - that's why the selectors and myself chose him.
He'll get through. If I had any doubts, we wouldn't have chosen him. Joey is very experienced and he is a big-match player. The beauty of it is that Joey has played with all these players before and he will suit the way I want to play the game."
Johns has played six of 11 games this year after breaking his jaw and played only three of 24 matches last season through a severe knee injury. But Matthew Johns is adamant his brother will be ready for the big match. "He's fit - he's ready to go," Johns said. "Look at the history of State of Origin football. It is built around special performances from individuals who lift for the occasion. Look at Allan Langer in 2001. Joey will add another page this year."
Johns will join the NSW side today in Sydney. Selectors spoke briefly yesterday but already had players on standby in case of injury. "We'll have to start again," Stuart said. "It's not as though he's a forward or a winger. He will control the game for us. We have a lot to cover over the next three or four days. Having said that, I am confident he could come in at any time during the preparation. It won't be a hurdle unless we make it a hurdle."
Stuart said interchange player Craig Wing would fill in at halfback should Johns require a rest. "When I rang Joey this afternoon and asked him about his fitness he said, 'I'm ready to play'," Stuart said. "He is an absolute champion. He has the chance to show that the selectors' choice was the right one. Allan Langer did this [a comeback to Origin] years ago from a lower competition [England] and I wouldn't have thought Alf would have been as fit as Joey is now."
Johns' selection is, however, a blow for the Newcastle Knights, still chasing their first win of the season. He was named at halfback for Saturday night's match against Parramatta at EnergyAustralia Stadium. But now, being an Origin player, Johns will miss the game. Johns now has the potential to continue Michael Hagan's ongoing woes. 

Andrew Johns: I'm ready -  EXCLUSIVE by ANDREW JOHNS -  June 10, 2005
EXCITEMENT, disbelief and a sense of satisfaction all rolled into one. That is the emotion I am feeling right now about my shock return to Origin football.
It's all a bit of a blur actually, but the phone call from Blues coach Ricky Stuart yesterday went something like this: 
Ricky: "How are you feeling - are you feeling fit?"
Me: "I feel great, why?"
Ricky: "Trent (Barrett) has hurt himself - you're in."
It floored me. I couldn't believe it but my first words to him after that were, "I'm ready".
The call didn't last much longer and my head was spinning when I got off the phone.  I'd not long picked up my son Samuel from school and was getting ready to take the little bloke with me to EnergyAustralia Stadium to do some kicking practice with Knights youngster Jarrod Mullen. It probably won't sink in completely that I am playing Origin again until I meet up with the rest of the NSW boys in Sydney today. To say I am shocked is an understatement but I honestly feel I can handle it, even with just one game under my belt in eight weeks. I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a small part of me thinking about Origin II when I made my return against Brisbane last Sunday. But I wasn't disappointed at all that I missed selection. I just wanted to get through that game without any injury worries and do whatever I could to help the Knights win the game. I made a few mistakes but was happy with the way it all went apart from the result. The biggest plus for me from the 80 minutes was my fitness.  Not too many people know how hard I have worked since I broke my jaw.  I have been flogging myself on the training paddock. For several weeks now, I have been up and back to the institute of sport in Brisbane doing a special program in a bid to get myself in the best possible shape. To be honest, I'm now feeling better than before I broke my jaw. I had been struggling form wise and realised fitness and the uncertainty I had with my knee were the reasons so I did something about it. Maybe the phone call from Ricky is my reward for all that hard work. How am I feeling about the game? The same as how I feel before any big game - I am really pumped, even now. Last year I told myself it would be my last Origin series and I wanted it to be special. The knee injury ruined all that and being at the games as a commentator just made me want to experience it again. Now I have the chance when really I least expected it. 
I've been asked about the captaincy issue by a few people and for me, it is not an issue. Bedsy's the captain and I'm just coming into the squad to play. End of story. I've got to say I really feel for Trent Barrett because there is nothing worse than missing a game as big as Origin because of injury. I also feel for the Knights boys because it has been a tough week for the club and me pulling out of tomorrow night's game against the Eels won't help things. But I am sure the boys will lift. 

How Joey changes game -  June 13, 2005
STATE of Origin is like the Melbourne Cup - and that is why the Andrew Johns comeback is so good for Wednesday's match. Surprisingly, not everybody has been captivated or even pleased about Johns' comeback. Radio talkback and pub conversations have argued the case that Brett Kimmorley deserved another chance, others saying what was ever wrong with Craig Gower or Matt Orford? 
Some tried to argue that Johns had not played enough football to deserve such a quick recall, Despite all that, selectors obviously had their reasons. The point is, forget about tactics and skills, forget about the players who could have been brought in instead ... and think about the magic. The moment Johns was announced as the NSW halfback this match suddenly found a little more. It upped the amp, sent a charge through the game. Origin is special for that very reason. While it will always be about the teams and their crusades, about the rivalry, it is the individual who elevates Origin. Wally Lewis, Laurie Daley, Allan Langer, Brad Fittler, Mal Meninga ... Andrew Johns. Origin is special for the stories they provide. Think about it. Think about Lewis continually leading Queensland to upset victories; Langer doing it at both ends of his career; Daley leading the Blues revival in the 1990s; Fittler's fairytale, and Mal just kept on keeping on, simply unstoppable. 
Each man gave something of himself to Origin and, for that reason, they gave the series something that cannot be defined, only enjoyed. The Melbourne Cup is the same. Just when you think the fizz might be a little flat the Cup throws up something special. Last year it was the mighty mare Makybe Diva winning back-to-back Cups. There was Damien Oliver's emotional win on Media Puzzle and Kerrin McEvoy's where-did-he-come-from ride on Brew, Might And Power's all-the-way win in 1997 and Bart Cummings' 10th Cup, followed by his 11th. Every year the Cup goes beyond being merely a horse race and into the realm of theatre. 
Kingston Town's game second, Kiwi's charge from the clock tower ...  You can go all the way back to Phar Lap being shot at in the days before the 1930 Cup, all the way back to the very first Cup, when Archer walked from Nowra to Melbourne and won. There is always something, like Origin ... 
Trent Barrett is a wonderful player, and his injury was unfortunate. The excitement generated by Johns' return has nothing to do with the fact it was Barrett he replaced - it could have been anybody he came in for - but there is no mistaking that Origin hhas once again found that magical, mystical element. The State of Origin Ball was held in Sydney last Tuesday to celebrate 25 years, and throughout the night clips from previous Origin campaigns were played. It played right into coach Ricky Stuart's hands. A big part of Stuart's campaign as Origin coach has been about telling his players to own their piece of Origin. Throughout the night the clips replayed moments from Origins before where players had done exactly that. It raised the hair on the back of your neck. And that's why this game is special. 

Joey the genius - June 15, 2005 
THE wondrous Andrew Johns established himself as the greatest of NSW Origin players after inspiring a 32-22 win against Queensland last night. Johns gave himself the starring role in a script he also wrote to destroy Queensland's hopes in the second half. Cheered by a fanatical crowd, Johns had a hand in all five of NSW's tries. He also kicked two goals, broke Queensland's line, put up bombs and left the crowd and the Maroons breathless. After the game, Johns was modest about his performance. "With Origin football you have to get your points where you can," he said. NSW's win levels the series. A stunning four-try blitz led by reborn NSW halfback Andrew Johns guided the Blues to victory last night – the win holding special significance for captain Danny Buderus who, up until Origin II, was yet to record a victory this year. For Queensland it was a continuation of a six-year curse, the Maroons still yet to record their maiden victory at Sydney's Telstra Stadium after 10 attempts. The Queensland camp were left fuming about a disallowed try to left winger Ty Williams two minutes into the second half, the movement pulled back after a linesman entered the field to rule on a forward pass. Leading 12-8 at the time, Maroons captain Darren Lockyer claimed that referee Steve Clark was about to allow the try before the linesman intervened, denying Queensland the chance to take their lead to 18-8. 
"I just felt we were so close yet so far," Lockyer said. "The turning point was just after halftime with that disallowed try. Right up until five minutes before halftime we were right in it." 
Queensland repelled an early NSW onslaught to establish an unlikely 12-8 lead at the break, after NSW dominated possession and field position in the opening half. The Blues massacred a number of try-scoring chances in the opening 40 minutes, Queensland scoring through forward Brad Thorn and fullback Billy Slater after NSW fullback Anthony Minichiello had bagged the opening try. Disappointed Queensland coach Michael Hagan admitted the Maroons appeared to be cursed when it comes to winning in Sydney, saying: "It hasn't been all that kind to us. That's just part of what we've got to deal with." 
A Johns 40/20 three minutes into the second half proved the magical elixir for the Blues victory. NSW then ran in tries through fullback Minichiello, Steve Menzies, Matt Cooper and captain Buderus. Blues bench utility Menzies was forced to play right centre for the second half after left winger Luke Rooney suffered a groin injury, forcing Stuart into a backline reshuffle. Regular NSW right centre Mark Gasnier shifted to the left wing, where he helped set up a try for Dragons teammate Cooper. "We won't be taking anything for granted. Origin football produces funny moments. Different moments," Stuart said. "How many times have you seen Queensland as underdogs and Queensland then get up and win." 

All hail Joey, the new Origin king - June 16, 2005 
NSW 32 Queensland 22 
Only the greatest player in the world could possibly go out there, be expected to do an incredible job despite a preparation that said we should be happy if he had just gone OK, then do even better than the rest of us could have hoped in our wildest dreams. Cue the one and only Andrew Johns. The superstar NSW halfback came, had a quick look around, then he conquered Queensland in State of Origin II at Telstra Stadium last night and will now prime himself for the ultimate challenge of going to Suncorp Stadium and winning the State of Origin series-deciding third game with the Blues on July 6. Afterwards, Joey exclaimed: "I'm not giving myself a rap, but I knew I was up for it." 
Searching for the right words to describe what he had just seen, Blues coach Ricky Stuart paid his main man the ultimate compliment of comparing him to Queensland's Origin legend Wally Lewis, saying: "He's got the same bearing on Origin football that Wally Lewis had." Hail King Joey! 
NSW bounced back from their heart-breaking, extra-time loss to the Maroons in game one to level the series but, even allowing for the importance of the result, the night was all about the magnificent comeback to Origin by the mercurial Johns. Interest prior to the match had been dominated by the recall of Johns, who had not played Origin for two years and who had played only nine club games since the start of last season. Johns was only just getting into gear after his comeback from a knee reconstruction when he broke his jaw playing for Newcastle against New Zealand Warriors two months ago. He had played one game back from that latest setback before Stuart and the selectors decided to re-introduce him to Origin when selected halfback Trent Barrett broke down at training last week. 
Debate had raged over whether Johns would be fit enough to handle the fierce pace of Origin at all, whether his condition would fade as the game went deep into the second half or whether he would simply dig deep, rely on his instincts and fit in like he had never been away. Well, when it came to the crunch he went out and destroyed the Maroons, producing trademark superb passing and kicking games to play a big part in all five Blues tries and orchestrate the victory in front of 82,389 delirious fans. Afterwards, Johns, who kicked three goals from three attempts as well, was thriving on being back where he belongs. "We're alive now!" Johns declared. "What a game the third one will be! It's been my dream to come back like this. It's what drove me when I was out with the broken jaw. "There are still a few areas I can improve on and the team can improve on, but the main thing is we're still in it. Now I can't wait for the next game." 
Stuart, a former champion halfback himself, was left marvelling at the contribution Johns had made. "It was an outstanding performance," Stuart said. "He did all we could ask of him. He made the players around him play well and he lifted the whole tempo of what we were doing, with his direction and leadership. 
"I've never seen a player come into training at a camp and lift the productivity and quality of the whole thing by 25 per cent, as he did. When he is committed and enthusiastic and he's got his head on he is an enormous player to have in a football team." 
Queensland coach Michael Hagan, in his other guise as coach of Johns at Newcastle, had seen the maestro destroy countless other teams before, but this time Joey had done it to his. Hagan was left to lament: "We didn't shut him down well enough." 
Johns and Blues fullback Anthony Minichiello combined brilliantly to open the scoring, in the 15th minute. Minichiello read that Johns was going to kick and took off on the inside in support. His chances of making it to the ball first were still only slight, but that was before the padding on the upright played a part. The ball hit the padding and bounced back towards the oncoming Minichiello, at the same time leaving Maroons fullback Billy Slater stranded after he looked a long odds-on favourite to collect the ball. The try came, Blues second-rower Craig Fitzgibbon converted, then Fitzgibbon kicked a penalty goal and NSW led 8-0 after 18 minutes. There was barely a good sign for Queensland at that stage, but this is Origin and you can't assume anything. NSW began making mistakes and Queensland racked up two tries through opportunism to lead 12-8 at half-time. Now, the chips were down, and the Blues responded brilliantly in the second half, Johns leading the charge that saw them score the next 18 points and take a stranglehold on the game. 
 

Johns seizes moment and kicks on for NSW -  June 16, 2005 
MAN OF THE MATCH 
Andrew Johns ran out into the dewy night air and baffled the Queenslanders from the first whistle. But Johns had sensed he was up to this Origin job before kick-off. Still breathless, panting and sipping a sports drink, he said it was dreamy the way last night had panned out. "I don't want to sound cocky, and full of myself … but I knew I was up to it," Johns told ABC radio. The halfback had 10 tackles, two line breaks and 16 kicks to show that he truly was up to the Origin task. His kicking game was marvellous. There were high bombs, spiralling kicks and pin-point passes that hit his teammates smack-bang on their chests. Then there was the 40-20 kick just minutes into the second half that revived the Blues and earned praise from Johns's NSW captain and Newcastle teammate, Danny Buderus. "He controlled the game perfectly," Buderus said. "We were looking for a kick to get us out of trouble - and he came up with a 40-20. Only a special player can do that." 
Ben Kennedy didn't think he would play with his mate again after Kennedy left Newcastle for Manly. "He's a freak," Kennedy said. "He's only had one game in six weeks and he's rocked up to a State of Origin match which is so physical and so mentally demanding. I believe he's one of the legends of the game already. He's a genius." 
Queensland fullback Billy Slater also praised Johns. "He played brilliant, those inside passes hurt us up the middle there," he said. The hero of the hour admitted he had enjoyed his Origin return. "That's what the hard work has been about for the last two months," Johns said of his return after a broken jaw. "Everything seemed to come off. We followed the game plan and it worked." 
On the field, Johns directed the play, shouted to his teammates, pumped his fists after tries (in all of which he played a big hand), and rested with his hands on his knees to regain energy after the big plays. The playmaker was also brimming with confidence. In the second half he even took over goal-kicking duties when Craig Fitzgibbon was off the field. Three shots from near the sideline sailed through the posts off Johns's boot. All his kicking was superb, and it was a punt that created NSW's first try, the clever kick bouncing off the post for flying Blues fullback Anthony Minichiello to scoop up and touch down over Queensland's line. It was also the man they call "Joey" who swung a beautiful pass to Braith Anasta that led to Minichiello's second try. Johns then lined up the sideline kick and booted it over to give NSW a 14-12 lead. And with four minutes remaining, Johns was at his dazzling best once again, this time throwing a perfect pass to Buderus for the Blues' final try. Drained after the match and with a chunk of ice strapped to his knee, Johns was buzzing but circumspect. "It's not a fairytale," he said. "It's not about me, it's about the side and everyone involved in the side. Same with the next game. The job's not over, we've got one more game to go." 

One of those Knights: Hagan - June 16, 2005 
FOR the last NSW try Danny Buderus just watched and waited on the left as Andrew Johns moved to the right. Buderus knew the ball was coming back. Knew the move to the right was a feint. And it was. Johns moved to the right, looked to the right, shaped to pass to the right and convinced everyone in the stadium he was going to give the ball right, except two people. Only Buderus and Queensland coach Michael Hagan knew what was coming. It was a move that had Newcastle written all over it. Johns and Buderus were two Newcastle teammates lifting their club combination to Origin level. And Hagan as their Newcastle coach knew what was coming. And sure enough at the last second Johns turned slightly to the left and caught the patient Buderus with a pass to score. Hagan had warned his Queensland players about club combinations in the NSW side. He could just as easily have warned them about the humiliation involved in just turning up and trying to stop a Blue juggernaut. Johns was the artist last night but someone has to unearth the marble that becomes the statue under skilled hands. "If Danny Buderus and the rest of the players didn't perform as well as they did Andrew Johns doesn't get to play as well as he did," said NSW coach Ricky Stuart. They [Johns and Buderus] have an amazing combination. "I've never seen one better." 
Stuart's tribute to all of his players for building a foundation for Johns to star was accurate and generous. But it is impossible to overlook the devastatingly overwhelming performance Johns gave last night. He effortlessly elevated himself into the rarest pantheon of Origin stars with a performance so dominant it blotted out the other players like an eclipse. We should all say a thank you this morning to the man who invented videotape. Thanks to him Johns' performance last night will live through the ages as an indelible definition of a class performance that redefined commitment and genius in Origin. To perform at any time as he did last night would be amazing. To perform on such a limited preparation defies human endurance. There has not been a more dominant performance by anyone at Origin level including Queensland legend Wally Lewis but he did it for a decade. Johns is at least the greatest NSW player and as Stuart said: "Johns has the same bearing on Origin as Lewis." Hagan came to the media conference with the glazed look of a man who has seen the future and doesn't want to go there. In game one Queensland led 19-0 then needed an intercept try in extra time to win. Last night they led 12-8 at halftime and were crushed in the second half. They are missing players and only a miracle will give them a win in the deciding game in Brisbane next month. Johns said politely that it was good to be back and that he has missed Origin football. Not as much as we have missed you, Andrew. 

Comeback so special for dad -  June 16, 2005 
GARY Johns had a feeling his son was going to produce something special last night. Andrew didn't let him down. 
The NSW halfback turned in a virtuoso performance on his return to State of Origin, celebrating his comeback after a two-year absence with an 80-minute performance that had coach Ricky Stuart comparing Johns to Wally Lewis and his team-mates lauding his display. Nobody was prouder than Gary Johns, who has watched his son's entire rugby league career build towards this moment. "I was riding every tackle, every pass," Gary said. "I had it in the back of my mind that Joey (Johns) would produce something. It's the best game under the circumstances I have seen him play." 
The circumstances? His preparation was, quite simply, not up to Origin standard. One game in the past two months and nine in the past two years. John's manager, John Fordham, compared his client's performance to some of the most courageous in Australian sporting history - Kieren Perkins in Atlanta in 1996 when the 1500m freestyle champion qualified in lane eight for the final and won the gold medal; Mark Taylor when he made a century at Edgbaston in 1997 when all looked lost; and an ageing John Newcombe's win in the 1975 Australian Open final. Fordham was so confident that he sent Johns a text message before the game. It read: "Knowing that you can compete at the highest level under immense pressure is an asset few possess. You are one such person. All the best." 
Johns's team-mates were in awe. "I don't know how someone could play such a little amount of football over the past few years and come out and play like that in Origin," five-eighth Braith Anasta said. "He's just a freak. He's just an athlete, a supreme athlete. I was blowing out there at the end and he was setting up tries everywhere. I don't know how he does it." 
Anasta was no slouch himself. The Bulldogs pivot, who earlier this month rejected overtures from rugby union, believed he was playing for his Origin future last night. He can sleep easily. Anasta played the perfect foil to Johns, making 20 tackles and producing the final pass for Anthony Minichiello's 45th-minute try, which put the Blues back in front. The 23-year-old must wait to see whether the selectors reward his performance with selection in Origin III at Suncorp Stadium on July 6 or recall Trent Barrett, who missed last night's game with a thigh injury. "It's such a relief," Anasta said. "I reckon this was the biggest game of my life. I knew if it went the other way I could be going the other way with it. I knew if I didn't play well that could be my last Origin game. I wanted to put in a solid game, show the selectors I can play. I was willing to play and play hard. I have been really nervous since my name was read out. It was good that Joey came in because it definitely took the focus off me. I just worked really hard and made sure I knew my job out there." His performance justified his decision to remain in rugby league. 
"It does, it does," he said. "I think deciding to play league, if I didn't make the most of the opportunity tonight I would have dreaded not going. "It's going to be hard because Trent is going to be fit for the next one."  Johns described Anasta's performance as outstanding and said the duo were "seeing the same thing" on the field. "We complemented each other well and I think he has grown as a player," Johns said. 

Johns, the code breaker - June 18, 2005
FORMER Waratahs coach Bob Dwyer and and former captain Matt Burke have lauded Origin II rugby league star Andrew Johns as the greatest player of either code. Speaking after yesterday's launch in Sydney of Burke's biography: A Rugby Life, both said Johns' game in Wednesday's Origin series leveller questioned the Australian Rugby Union's wisdom for not pushing for Johns' switch from league last year. "Everyone says they got happier and happier and the game went on," said Dwyer, referring to praise Johns earned for his gilted performance. I just got sicker and sicker as the game went on just thinking of what might've been. I felt like sending message [to Johns] saying it is not too late to change, but I couldn't get through." 
Dwyer said he always felt Johns would have been an instant success to rugby. "With his attitude, personal drive and search for excellence and general motivation, he would have improved the training sessions immediately," said Dwyer, adding that he predicted to Johns that he would end up coaching the Waratah backline as a player. "He said: 'how do you reckon I'll go?' I said: 'in three months you will be coaching the backline. He understands what the confrontation between attack and defence. There are great players and really great players. He is really great. And it doesn't make a difference [which code]." 
Burke, who now plays for the Newcastle Falcons alongside side English World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson, said Johns was the talk of both codes in England. 
"They watch him. Jonny, he talks about Joey all the time," said Burke. "His ability to not pass, not forward pass and hold a man and pass a long pass which is a difficult pass when you are not planting. It rubs off.  "When you are the world's best, people try to emulate you no matter what code you are in." 
Burke was at Telstra Stadium watching Origin II. He said seeing Johns lead the Blues - setting up all of NSW's five tries - silenced every critic that may have remained. "If there was any doubt about his ability to play the game they got put in their place," he said. "Whether he was a loss to rugby? That's only a question Andrew can ask in terms of: 'were you really going to come across or was rugby league still in the forefront of your mind?' 
"Perhaps [he] was the one that got away. You'll never know. But if he had of come across he would have been able to make it. "Absolutely. He would have made it easily."  Burke said with Johns, even while in league, offered union players a lot to learn from with his rich skills and vision. 

The man who said Joey Johns was too old and a crock -  June 19, 2005
THIS is the man who has been left with egg splattered all over his face by the great Andrew Johns. Brett Robinson was the Australian Rugby Union's high-performance general manager who turned down the opportunity to sign Johns last year because he thought he was too old and injury prone. Yet amazingly after Johns' sensational State of Origin performance, Robinson stands by the decision and remains convinced it was a correct call. "Look, I watched the game and he played very, very well," Robinson said. "It's fantastic to see him back and playing the game he loves. He's such an outstanding rugby league player, but based on his injury profile and his age, for the money he was wanting, it wasn't worth the investment by rugby."
After Johns' performance on Wednesday, when he almost single-handedly destroyed the Maroons, his manager John Fordham took a swipe at Robinson. But the former ARU official, who left four months ago to work for an insurance company, was quick to return serve. "Forget John Fordham. He's a player manager and he was looking at it financially," Robinson said. "For the money that was expected from his manager to acquire Johns' services, it was too much because of his age. They wanted half a million dollars (per year) over three years. It was not in rugby's best interests. It's a nice romantic view to say it would be great to see him in a Wallaby jersey. "But the public and the media aren't accountable if it doesn't work out. If we're spending $1.5 million on a player over three years and it doesn't work out, the downside for our sport in terms of the message it sends to other players in our game and the financial impact have to be weighed up in the decision.
As general manager of the high-performance unit, I was in charge of the single greatest risk ... and that's the $20 million rugby spends on its players. You have to be prudent in your decision-making."
Robinson says he doubts Johns could have made an immediate impact in rugby union. "This year he might have sat out most of the Super 12. We probably wouldn't have seen the best of him," Robinson said. "You have to understand the differences in the games. There are significant differences. It does take time. To say he'd pick it up immediately is a big assumption. I have no doubt he could have made it over time. But at the end of the day he has played one game, an outstanding game, and he has played only six games in 18 months. I still say we made the right decision."
Robinson is surprised he has been left to take the blame for the decision not to sign Johns. "I think it suits them handballing it all on me because I'm not involved in the game any more," he said. "But it wasn't just me. The CEO Matt Carroll was involved, Michael O'Connor was the talent identification co-ordinator and was heavily consulted too. Eddie Jones also was involved. We just decided it wasn't in our best interest to get involved in marketing-driven warfare between rugby union and rugby league. John Fordham is a player agent and has his own motivations. It was his job to create a market for his player. The decision was made around the risk factor and Andrew wasn't prepared to come across as a lowly paid player. I'm pleased to see he is finishing his career in front of fans who love him as a rugby league player and in an environment where he can be remembered as a great."
 

John Fordham was so confident that he sent Johns a text message before the game. It read: "Knowing that you can compete at the highest level under immense pressure is an asset few possess. You are one such person. All the best."

Joey injures neck again -  June 17, 2005
NEWS that Newcastle had finally snared a major naming rights sponsor was today tempered by fears that star halfback Andrew Johns could again be lost to a serious injury. Johns ... Crossing his fingers for good news. Johns emerged from his Origin II heroics for NSW with a neck injury, sparking speculation that he may be suffering from a bulging disc which ended his 2003 NRL season. The former Test skipper underwent scans today and will visit spinal specialist Professor John Yeo in Sydney tomorrow to learn of his short term future. "Our club doctor seems to think it is not the same as before (as 2003)," Johns said today. "There is no numbness or pain down the arm which is a good sign but it is still really tender and really sore."
It was hardly music to the ears of his win-less NRL club Newcastle which announced Hunter Valley mining company Coal & Allied as its naming rights sponsor until the end of 2006. Johns joined the Knights hierarchy today for the announcement of "the biggest sponsorship in the Knights' history" believed to be more than $700,000 a season. Knights fans will be keeping their fingers crossed Johns will again be on hand when win-less Newcastle travels to Manly on Sunday trying to end its club record 12-game losing run. The scheming halfback inspired NSW's 32-22 win over Queensland last Wednesday in only his second game in eight weeks due to a knee reconstruction and a broken jaw. Johns, 31, has suffered season-ending injuries in the last three seasons. But Johns was still hopeful of taking on the Sea Eagles. "I wouldn't risk it anyway with the neck, it is a pretty delicate area," Johns said of his prospects. Especially with my history where I have had a serious injury there before so if there is any doubt I won't play but I still give myself a chance."
Newcastle and NSW skipper Danny Buderus is expected to be out for three weeks with toe ligament damage but was hopeful of chiming into the Origin decider at Brisbane on July 6. Buderus, who was also present at the launch wearing a special boot, said he would visit a specialist on Wednesday week, the same day the NSW team goes into camp. "I will have to get the ... boot off in two weeks and start getting it moving (but) I am definitely a chance," he said. 
Meanwhile, Newcastle chairman Michael Tyler said the main priority was addressing player support staff issues, namely appointing a full-time physiotherapist.
Football manager Mark Sargent and coach Michael Hagan was recently hauled in front of the Knights board for highlighting player support problems.
Sargent subsequently resigned. "We've been given a list of things the players need and we will be working very hard to give that additional infrastructure that the players need ASAP," Tyler said. "If there is a dollar over let me tell you it will be spent on the infrastructure for the players."
Tyler hoped today's announcement would have a "snowball effect" for other sponsors to come on board and "fill the gap" on the club's financial plight.

Johns cleared of serious injury -  June 19, 2005
THE rugby league community breathed a sigh of relief today when superstar halfback Andrew Johns was cleared of a serious neck injury. There were fears that Johns may have played his last match after news last week he was in doubt for Newcastle's NRL match today. But his manager Nick Fordham said the former Test star had only suffered a muscular strain and should be okay to return to action for the Knights next weekend against Penrith. "He's met with professor John Yeo and doctor Neil Halpin and they have confirmed it's only a muscular strain," Fordham said. "He's responded well to treatment and he should be right for next weekend."  Fordham admitted Johns had feared his sublime performance for NSW in last Wednesday's State of Origin win over Queensland might have been his last match. "You always fear the worst, but Andrew woke up this morning and said he felt good," Fordham said. 

Johns set to play against Panthers -  Jun 19 2005
Andrew Johns and the entire rugby league world breathed a collective sigh of relief when the superstar halfback was cleared of another serious neck injury.
Leading specialist John Yeo and Newcastle club doctor Neil Halpin gave Johns the green light to continue his brilliant career, ending a harrowing few days for the champion No.7. Johns admitted the "terrifying" prospect of never playing again had been on his mind ever since hurting his neck during his sublime display in NSW's series-levelling State of Origin win over Queensland last Wednesday night. But after suffering a season-ending neck injury in 2003, the 31-year-old was relieved to learn he had only sustained muscular damage this time. Johns should be available for Newcastle's trip to Penrith on Saturday night and is almost certain to be fit for the Origin decider in Brisbane on July 6. "I should be right for Origin, but I want to play for Newcastle next week," the Knights captain said before watching his team slump to its 13th straight loss of the season at Manly. "The neck injury wasn't as serious as first thought. It's a ligament problem. It's like a whiplash effect. "Hopefully I'll be back next week. It should settle down and hopefully I can play against the Panthers."
There had been genuine fears Johns may have played his last game and the widespread relief across the code was never more evident than when the Newcastle playmaker received a rousing reception from the normally partisan Manly crowd. Johns has played just 10 games in the last two years after a rotten run of serious back, neck and knee injuries and a broken jaw earlier this season. He admitted to being desperate for more chances to showcase his immense talent, as he did last week in Origin II. "I haven't played much footy the last couple of years. I still love playing, I still love being involved in football and being around all the boys," Johns said. "There's nothing better than playing in front of a big crowd."
Newcastle coach Michael Hagan said Johns was too rich a talent for the code to lose. "It's good news for him, the team and the game and we're certainly pleased he'll be back," Hagan said. "It's great news for everybody."  Except, of course, the Hagan-coached Queensland State of Origin team.

Next step for Johns is to be Blues captain -  June 20, 2005
After yesterday being cleared of a neck injury he described as "terrifying", Andrew Johns is in line to add another dimension to his fairytale State of Origin comeback by captaining NSW in the series decider. With Newcastle teammate Danny Buderus in doubt for Origin III with a foot injury, Johns is the obvious candidate to take over the skipper's role he held before undergoing a knee reconstruction last year. Buderus remains hopeful of playing and will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness, but the Test hooker is not due to have a special boot removed from his right foot until after the Blues team is named next Monday.
As a result, he will miss Saturday night's match against Penrith. But Johns is expected to play after yesterday consulting spinal specialist John Yeo, the Sydney surgeon who operated on his neck two years ago. "The injury wasn't as serious as first thought," a relieved Johns said. "I should be right for Origin but I want to play for Newcastle next week. It should settle down and hopefully I can play on Saturday night against the Panthers."
After undergoing scans on Friday afternoon, Johns was diagnosed with strained ligaments and assured there was no recurrence of the bulging disc problem that cast doubts over his playing future in 2003. But the champion halfback admitted the four-day wait to learn his fate since Wednesday night's stunning Origin return had been "terrifying. I've had trouble there before," he said. "But hopefully I'll be back next week. It's a ligament problem, it's like a whiplash effect."
Johns will visit Newcastle's consulting doctor Neil Halpin for a final decision on when he can return to the field, but Knights coach Michael Hagan said simply the fact that the 31-year-old playmaker would play again at all was pleasing news. "I guess you're always concerned for players when they've had a pre-existing injury like that, so I guess that was pretty good news for everybody," Hagan said after yesterday's 48-26 loss to Manly. It's good news for him and the team and the game. I think we're all pleased that he will be back playing footy pretty soon. He's a reasonable chance of playing next week and we could certainly do with him. We'll just see how it settles down."
Apart from the neck injury, Johns said he was feeling refreshed after spending six weeks out recently while recovering from a broken jaw and indicated that Origin III may not be his representative swansong, as some people believe. He also said he was not underestimating the magnitude of the task facing the Blues to win the series in the decider at Suncorp Stadium on July 6 - something no NSW team has done after losing the first game. "I haven't played much footy the last couple of years and I still love playing," he said. "I still love being involved in football clubs and being around all the boys, and there's nothing better than playing in front of a big crowd. [But] I've played enough games to know that when you play Queensland up there and the game is on the line they run harder and they tackle harder."

Doctor questions Joey technique -  June 20, 2005
ANDREW Johns has been warned to re-think his approach to tackling or risk further neck injuries which could prematurely end one of the great rugby league careers. Newcastle doctor Neil Halpin today said the sooner Johns, 31, stopped playing like a "front rower" the longer the injury-prone ex-Test skipper would last in rugby league. Playing just his second game in eight weeks, Johns lasted five minutes before suffering a neck complaint in Origin II but still completed one of the great comebacks by inspiring New South Wales to a 32-22 win last Wednesday. A Johns was forced to miss Newcastle's 48-26 loss to Manly yesterday – the win-less Knights' 13th straight defeat. Johns had since been cleared of a recurrence of a bulging disc that ended his 2003 season, but Dr Halpin said the playmaker would have to re-think his tackling style if he wanted to last longer in the game. Easier said than done considering Johns prides himself on his defence. But Johns may be forced to consider Dr Halpin's advice after injury has cut short his last three seasons. While Dr Halpin conceded some of Johns' injuries were "freak accidents", the Knights doctor believed others were avoidable. "My own theory is it (his injuries) is partly the way he plays the game," he said. "I am always saying to Andrew `you are not a front rower, son, you are a halfback. Part of Andrew's strength as a player is his defensive ability and that is partly the reason why he has been injured a fair bit. If you are taking on front rowers and you are a halfback, well, I wouldn't do it. I'm not the person to tell Andrew how to play football (but) I think the more he can avoid those sorts of things the longer he is going to last in the game."
Johns has all but been cleared to play in Newcastle's match in Penrith on Saturday night. "I think he is quite realistic for the Penrith game," Dr Halpin said. "He is going to have physio during the week – we will see him on Thursday to see how he is going."
Newcastle and NSW skipper Danny Buderus meanwhile declared himself a "really realistic" chance of playing in the Origin series decider in Brisbane on July 6.
Buderus suffered toe ligament damage in Origin II but received good news from the surgeon who performed pre-season surgery on the hooker this year – foot-ankle specialist Dr Martin Sullivan. "I have met with the surgeon and he has said I am on track (for Origin III) – I'll just see how I go over the next two weeks," he said. "Origin II is really realistic for me, he (surgeon) said things were looking good."
NSW selector Laurie Daley said he wasn't concerned by yet another injury to Johns. "Any time you spend a long period on the sidelines, especially at that age, you are always going to be sore in the neck region if you get a bit of knock to it," he said. "When you have had a serious neck problem and know the consequences you tend to treat it a bit more seriously. Your first thoughts are always the worst, because he was so close to finishing his career the last time it happened."

What will Johns pull out of the hat in Origin III - 30 June 2005
Now for star halfback Andrew Johns' next trick - backing up from his sublime Origin II performance. If Johns, 31, thought he was under pressure before his shock Origin II call-up for NSW, it will pale into insignificance compared to the heat he will endure at "The Cauldron" on July 6. Johns tried to shy away from words such as "saviour", "messiah" and "fairytale" when he received a surprise SOS for an injury-hit NSW's must-win game two clash against Queensland on June 15. 
"It's not about me," Johns said as if trying to convince himself.  But Origin II was all about Johns as he lifted NSW to a 32-22 victory in only the injury-plagued halfback's third rugby league game in eight weeks, and 10th in two years. Which brings us to the 25th anniversary Origin decider. The lead-up sounds eerily similar to the game two countdown. A fitness question mark again hovers over him after coming back from yet another neck injury sustained early in Origin II. 
Johns - whose last three NRL seasons were cut short by injury - still has his doubters. And Johns will no doubt hear all about it from the 50,000-plus Maroons faithful that will pack Suncorp Stadium. Then again, it pays not to write off Johns. The ex-Test skipper has displayed an iron will by repeatedly coming back from injuries that would have ended the career of a lesser player. And he has an iron will to win - as he again showed last weekend for his beloved NRL club Newcastle. In his first game back from his recent neck injury, Johns guided the Knights to their maiden 2005 NRL victory, ending a 13-game losing run - the equal fifth worst season start in Australian rugby league history. The stage is set for more Johns heroics as NSW vies to become only the second Blues team in 25 years to win an Origin series from 1-0 down. But can he do it again? 
A former critic, NSW Origin legend Brett Kenny, has certainly changed his tune on Johns. "I admit I was a bit surprised with how well he played in the second one," Kenny said. "I was saying to people 'don't expect to see the Andrew Johns of two or three years ago because he had not played for so long' but he surprised me. He had played only nine games in two years (before Origin II), he hadn't played for so long. He's obviously wanting to display the same standard of football again for the third one but it will depend on the other players, can they perform? 
"He probably was the difference between the two sides (in Origin II) but you have to have the other blokes doing their jobs. It's just a case of if they will do it in the decider - I just don't think Queensland has the forward strength." 
Kenny - recently named one of NSW Origin's greatest 25 players - said Suncorp Stadium, still lovingly referred to by players and fans as Lang Park or The Cauldron, was not a factor any more. "Queensland would feel right at home being there, but I think with the players NSW have got, they have played there before, it's Brisbane's home ground, so I think that takes a lot away from the advantage," he said. "The players feel comfortable playing there. I believe it will come down to individuals on how they perform on the night - and Joey (Johns) will play a big part in that." 
Ex-Blues halfback Steve Mortimer - the skipper of the first NSW team to win an Origin series 20 years ago - said game three would be decided by the duel between Johns and Queensland pivot Darren Lockyer. "At the end of the day it is going to come down to whether NSW gives Johns better opportunities or Queensland gives Lockyer better opportunities - they are the two playmakers of the game," he said. "I wasn't surprised by Joey's return but I think everyone went over the top a little bit - he played well but he had a lot of elite, skilled players around him. He was the catalyst, all he had to do was put the people in the right position and he did that. But he is only going to get better."