The nib Newcastle Knights are delighted to confirm that Rugby League Immortal and Club Legend Andrew Johns will continue his role as specialist coaching consultant for the 2023 National Rugby League season.
Johns re-joined the Knights in early 2022, having been recruited by Head Coach Adam O’Brien to compliment his current coaching staff, with a clear focus on working with Willie Peters and Blake Green on attack.
A two-time premiership winner and Grand Final-winning captain, Clive Churchill Medal winner, three time Dally M Player of the year, two time Golden Boot winner, all-time Club leading point scorer, life member, and one of only eight players to be inducted into the Knights Hall of Fame, Johns brings an acute understanding and passion for Newcastle and the Knights to his work with the club’s players and coaches.
His unrivalled playing experience and expert awareness of the modern game has been an asset from NRL level right down to the club’s pathways systems, where the 8th Immortal has worked alongside fellow club Legends including Steve Simpson, Kurt Gidley, and General Manager of Football Danny Buderus to develop the next generation of Knights players.
Newcastle Knights Head Coach Adam O’Brien said Johns brings a wide range of expertise to the club.
“Andrew has been a great addition to our coaching staff and to me personally, “said O’Brien.
“We share very similar philosophies on the way we need to prepare, train, and play to achieve sustained success, including our long-term approach to the fundamentals we need to implement throughout the club.
“He has helped me understand how the community rides with the Knights through the good and bad times, including how to handle the expectations that comes with a one team town, which we all agree are one of the many great benefits of representing the Knights.
“What a lot of people don’t see is his genuine passion for the future and his vision for the Knights, he is heavily invested in both the male and female programs, from junior pathways right through to our elite NRL squad.
“Andrew is extremely well organised, he prepares everything to the last piece of detail, with clear communications and planning with all staff, especially in attack with Greeny and Willie, which helps ensure the right platforms are in place for long term success.”
Johns will continue to balance his work with the Knights alongside his role as an expert commentator for the Nine Network, in addition to his many other professional interests.
