NRL (League HQ) Jul 5, 2009
League HQ - leaguehq. Michael Jennings scored a hat trick and set up match-winner four minutes from full-time. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Fatty tackles a good cause Jun 18, 2009
Last Thursday the show hosted players from the Sydney Convicts, a gay rugby union team, to discuss the issue of homophobia in sport, prompted by a Footy Show sketch that portrayed the father of league brothers Matthew and Andrew Johns returning a fictitious gay third son - "Elton Johns" - to the hospital because he was "faulty". A spokesman for the AIDS council told the Diary yesterday that Vautin and other panellists promised last week that they would upload photos of themselves holding... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Farah has the right ingredients to rustle up a Blues boilover Jun 3, 2009
" He certainly has the temperament to be patient. For several years, Farah had been unable to claw the Blues jersey off captain Danny Buderus. So when coach Craig Bellamy called him 24 hours before the NSW team was to be named - predictably, as he was cooking up a meal for his family - he was a little suspicious. "I had to double-check that it was Craig," Farah said. When Andrew Johns, the former Blues halfback and now assistant coach, called him not long after to start talking tactics, he knew... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Five more years of losses for the Blues Jun 2, 2009
Already with 12 Origins behind him, JT has twice been the Dally M player of the year and in 2008 was player of the Origin series, reaching the pedestal previously reserved for players such as Wally Lewis, Lockyer, Allan Langer, Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns. Who would bet against him being as good as he is now - and possibly a damn sight better - by the time he turns 30. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Hunger, desperation and a special talent for upsets Jun 1, 2009
I'll throw some names at you: Andrew Johns, Wally Lewis, Peter Sterling, Cliff Lyons, Allan Langer. They stood out from the rest because they taunted opposition defences and reacted to their movements. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Real footy heroes shoot first and ask no questions later May 28, 2009
" However, if you listen to Bellamy's assistant, Andrew Johns, who also coaches at Hayne's club, Parramatta, a month to the erratic winger could be a day or a decade. "Folau and Jarryd grew up together," Joey insists, whereupon I said, "But he said it was only a month. " Joey ended the argument with a comment that summarises these unfathomable enigmas. "He wouldn't know, Jarryd Hayne. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Tigers pitch invader the best of the pests May 25, 2009
In the wake of their 48-6 thrashing by Penrith on Saturday night, Andrew Johns said of the Roosters: "I know they were missing some players last night - Craig Fitzgibbon, he's a big one that stands out - but some of these guys just aren't putting in 100 per cent, and I think if they looked in the mirror and said, 'Am I busting a gut for a teammate?' the answer would be no." Bob Fulton, on radio 2GB chipped in: "They are a dead-set second-grade side playing in the NRL, and they really need to... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Beyond the big blue May 2, 2009
The rugby league great Andrew Johns, a man who has suffered depression and has worked to raise awareness about the illness, praised Campbell for speaking out. "I knew Preston struggled there for a while," Johns says. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Uncle Turv's a fan of Dan Apr 19, 2009
Rated by Team of the Century halfback Andrew Johns as a star of the future, the son of Bulldogs great Peter Mortimer during the week signed a deal with the Eels to stay at the club until the end of 2010. And his uncle, "Turvey" Mortimer, said Eels coach Daniel Anderson would be crazy not to include him in his side as soon as possible. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Told, Shane: Webcke's honest approach a road less travelled Apr 11, 2009
There was also a league great who copped it - Andrew Johns should never been included in the Team of the Century after his confessions of illicit drug use during his career, Webcke wrote. Granted, that was a huge statement to make in public. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Character building a worthy exercise Apr 11, 2009
He was the 10-year-old kid with eyes like bread-and-butter plates tossing the ball back for Andrew Johns in the days before "Joey" became the best player of his era and, ultimately, one who flew a little too close to the sun for the comfort of his wings. Finch's wings never melted, although he's had his moments in the sun - or, more accurately, the glare of the lights in Sydney's modern stadiums. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Knights make a good start of rebuilding fortress Apr 6, 2009
But that record of near infallibility has been tarnished in recent years, with the gradual exit of great players - headed by champion halfback Andrew Johns - contributing to make the trip for visiting teams less intimidating. Playing at EnergyAustralia Stadium, while still scary for an opposition team if they let it be, has become significantly less of a guarantee of a win for the home side, but the Knights are planning for yesterday's victory over the Sea Eagles to be the beginning of a new era... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
With halves at sixes and sevens, it's time to declare: School's in Mar 29, 2009
It was like watching a movie where the picture goes all wavy, the character is transported back in time and the words sent him into this stupor sound over and over: "Small Caucasian halfback, small Caucasian halfback no future, no future, no future "Billy Smith, Peter Sterling, Steve Mortimer, Geoff Toovey, Allan Langer, Andrew Johns Do you mean to tell me our game has gone beyond the talents of the little men ... I was chatting with Andrew Johns recently. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Writer's block: Webcke asks publishers to pulp his autobiography Mar 25, 2009
Webcke was also critical of the Knights, NRL and ARL, saying officials were well aware of Andrew Johns' "lifestyle and problems", a reference to the high profile halfback's acknowledged drug problems. "I have said some hard things but they are balanced and they are only made in the spirit of the game that I love and some things that I think needed to be said," Webcke told Channel Seven, where he is employed as a sports reporter. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Co-author Webcke spikes new book Mar 24, 2009
" The sequence of events left Webcke, who attended the match against the Storm "not really caring if they won or not". In another chapter, How the Game Failed Joey, a reference to Newcastle great Andrew Johns' battle with drugs and depression, Webcke maintains that the Knights, the NRL and the ARL administration "all the way to the top" knew about Johns' "lifestyle and problems". Attempts to contact Webcke and his agent Chris White of International Quarterback were unsuccessful. Webcke has since... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
No.6 with a bullet: Joey's rap of Warriors junior sure to fire upinterest Mar 22, 2009
ANDREW JOHNS has put every NRL chief executive on alert by tipping Warriors junior Shaun Johnson as being bound for greatness. Johns, widely considered to be the greatest player ever to lace up a pair of league boots, watched Johnson for the first time last weekend when he wore the No. 6 jersey for Tony Iro's under-20 side. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Knights back-rower wants to go forward after last year Mar 22, 2009
What would it mean to join a list that includes Andrew Johns, Danny Buderus and Robbie O'Davis. It's something hopefully I can achieve very shortly and it's a great milestone. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Bears get logo, now for an NRL jersey Mar 22, 2009
"There's a lot of negative talk about things that are happening, but this story is one that will bring people back to the game." A delegation of high-profile rugby league identities, headed by Newcastle legend Andrew Johns, have supported the bid. The Bears are also packing political clout in the form of Opposition shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey, the member for North Sydney, and Gosford Mayor Chris Holstein. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Legends unanimous in calling for Central Coast team Mar 22, 2009
ANDREW JOHNS says the establishment of a team on the Central Coast is a matter of priority for the NRL.. The Newcastle legend is one of a number of rugby league identities to back the reintroduction of an NRL team at Gosford as the Central Coast Bears ramp up their bid to be the league's 17th franchise. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Sharks know which side their Brett is guttered Mar 21, 2009
An ornament to the game, he also became the leading points scorer in the NRL last week, overtaking Andrew Johns, as he notched up seven out of seven kicks against Manly. Queensland Reds. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Johnny's warren Mar 20, 2009
"I'm not talking about saying to bloke next to you, 'C'mon, let's do this.' I'm talking about taking charge of the team in the mould of Darren Lockyer or Andrew Johns." Asotasi, one of the best head-down, bum-up leaders in the game, is happy to have Sutton, whom he says is finding that voice, take up the baton. "He and [halfback Chris] Sandow are really the generals in the team. Without 'Sutto' or Chris standing up, we'll find ourselves in a bit of a panic mode," Asotasi says. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Ross out for season - and 'lucky' to be able to walk Mar 18, 2009
FORMER Queensland Origin prop Ben Ross is unlikely to play again this season after suffering a ruptured disc trying to tackle Penrith's Adam Woolnough - the same player whose training collision with Andrew Johns ended the Newcastle great's career in similar circumstances. However, Ross may resume playing again next season after being transferred to St Vincent's Hospital for surgery to repair the problem, which is causing him considerable pain. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Walsh grabs a career lifeline Mar 17, 2009
Once the heir apparent to Andrew Johns, Walsh ended a frustrating 18 months yesterday when he was released by the Knights to join Penrith. The 21-year-old playmaker will train with his new club this morning and could be rushed into the side for the clash against a rejuvenated Bulldogs at CUA Stadium on Saturday night. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Knight victim of star wars: Luke making move to fulfil his destiny Mar 17, 2009
HE was tagged as the heir apparent to Andrew Johns ... Smith said Walsh follows in the footsteps of Brett Kimmorley, Brett Finch and Matt Rodwell first-grade calibre halves produced by the Knights who had to leave Newcastle because Andrew Johns had a mortgage on the No.7 jersey. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Panthers sign Walsh from Knights Mar 16, 2009
Walsh made 13 NRL appearances in 2007 after the retirement of Andrew Johns but has not appeared in a top-grade competition game since. The 21-year-old was linked with a variety of rival clubs last season, including the Warriors, Bulldogs and Dragons, but opted to stay in Newcastle and play out his 2009 contract, which is reportedly worth $150,000. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Tahs must fight to keep Waugh on board Mar 15, 2009
We've seen the influence Darren Lockyer has on the Brisbane Broncos and the way Newcastle Knights and the Brisbane Lions went when Andrew Johns and Michael Voss left their respective clubs. They went downhill. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
El Masri passes magic mark Mar 15, 2009
He saluted the crowd even before he slotted it through the posts to surpass the previous record of 2176 held by Andrew Johns. He finished with seven goals from as many attempts, most of them from the sideline, in pouring rain. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Bulldogs win as Manly implodes Mar 14, 2009
El Masri's penalty goal in the 33rd minute took him two points past Newcastle great Andrew Johns' 2,176 points. Slotting over from 11m out adjacent to the left upright, El Masri was mobbed by teammates and greeted by a fireworks display and a roar from the 19,791-strong crowd. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Bulldog ready to kick his way into history Mar 14, 2009
The Bulldogs winger may break Andrew Johns's point-scoring record tonight, writes Andrew Stevenson ... Reason, no doubt, for his refusal to toe the politically correct line and tell fans to stay in their seats tonight at ANZ Stadium if he notches the seven points he needs to displace Andrew Johns at the head of the game's point-scoring leaderboard. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Deal done, Benji marshals Tigers troops for title tilt Mar 13, 2009
"I feel like it's only a matter of time before I stamp myself as one of the top halfbacks in the game," said Marshall, who is receiving tutelage from arguably the top halfback of all time, Andrew Johns ... "There is also the challenge of following Paul Sironen, Wayne Pearce and Steve Roach to become a Tiger for life. That remains a goal. Marshall's manager, Martin Tauber, said: "We've had discussions with the club about being a one-club man, the same as Hazem El Masri or Andrew Johns. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Gidley doesn't want Origin spot by default Mar 12, 2009
Those figures suggest that Stewart is even more valuable to Manly than Andrew Johns was to the Knights, who won 63. 6 per cent of their games with the champion halfback on board and only 37. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
The money men Mar 8, 2009
BRETT STEWART is the most influential player in the NRL and means more to Manly than did Andrew Johns to Newcastle. Every team has a "money man", a player who has such an impact on the game that his team's hopes of winning hinge largely on whether he's on the field or off it. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Renewed calls to ban players from drink as crisis deepens Mar 8, 2009
A special investigation on pages 82-83 today suggests he is the most influential onfield player in the NRL, meaning more to Manly than Andrew Johns did to Newcastle. SPONSORED LINKS. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Hickey finds boring barbs a bit tedious Mar 6, 2009
And for the sake of accuracy, one of our snouts had his Mr Magoo glasses on last week and we have since discovered it was John Fordham, not David Fordham, who handed the phone over to one of the Prairiewood High School students so that he could talk to Andrew Johns. Johns has since agreed to conduct a training session with Prairiewood before they head off to Japan to represent Australia at a schools tournament. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Greg Growden David Nucifora has warned the Australian Super 14 teams . . . beware the South Africans. Read more Feb 27, 2009
Highlights included the work done by the Easts and Sydney University clubs to help raise funds and the magic moment when David Fordham rang Andrew Johns and gave the phone to the team's vice-captain and five-eighth, Kane Clark, for a "chat with Joey". Kane was in seventh heaven for hours. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Newcastle Knights Feb 26, 2009
He lost the game's greatest halfback Andrew Johns to retirement just weeks into his first season, and last year battled with injury problems that restricted captain Danny Buderus (15 games), rep forward Steve Simpson (12) and key recruit Ben Cross (eight) most of the year. Despite the setback the Knights finished just one win outside the top eight, their 28 points the highest non-qualifying tally since 1999. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Eels give Hayne licence to thrill at No.6 Feb 18, 2009
"I don't think it's a dramatic change for him. He's comfortable on the ball and he likes the idea of being there."He has worked hard with 'Joey' [Andrew Johns] during the off-season, and Andrew has had a very good effect on him - he's had a good effect on all of the players he's been involved with here. I would also be comfortable with Kris Keating at five-eighth, if needed, but the job is there to be taken by Jarryd, if he's good enough. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
