KNIGHTS WELCOME BACK IMMORTAL JOHNS AS SENIOR COACHING STAFF IN FUTURE HEAD ROLE PUSH
Rugby league great joins Newcastle’s coaching team after denying recent head coach links
Newcastle Knights have welcomed back club legend and Rugby League Immortal Andrew Johns as part of their senior coaching staff, in a move designed to pave the way for a potential future head coaching role at the club he defined.
The appointment comes just weeks after Johns denied links to the Knights’ vacant head coach position, but club officials have confirmed the role will see him work closely with the current coaching team to develop both players and his own credentials for a top job down the line.
Johns – widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby league players of all time – will balance his new Knights duties with existing commitments that have kept him in the spotlight since his retirement. He remains a key Channel Nine NRL commentator and analyst, providing expert insights to viewers each week, while also serving on the Sports Advisory Board for Levin Health (medicinal cannabis) and taking on a role as a selector for the Australian Kangaroos in 2025.
His return to Newcastle marks a full-circle moment for the man who led the Knights to their only two NRL Premierships in 1997 and 2001. Across a stellar playing career, Johns notched a club-record 249 games, became Newcastle’s all-time points scorer with 2,176 points, and collected a host of individual honours including multiple Dally M Medals, Golden Boots awards, and his 2012 induction as a Rugby League Immortal – recognition of his unparalleled skill and leadership that defined the club’s golden era.
Knights CEO Phil Gardner said the appointment was a “coup” for the club, highlighting Johns’ unique understanding of what it takes to succeed in Newcastle. “Andrew’s knowledge of the game is second to none, and his connection to this club and our fans is extraordinary,” Gardner said. “This role gives him the chance to pass on that wisdom to our players while building the experience he needs if he chooses to pursue a head coaching position in the future.”
Johns himself expressed excitement at returning to the Knights in a formal capacity, stating: “This club means everything to me. I’m not here to rush into a head role – I want to learn, contribute, and help this team reach the heights we achieved during my playing days.”
