Andrew Johns’ son Louis signs with Sydney Roosters as legend confirms he’s ‘moved on’ from Newcastle
Rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns’ 16-year-old son Louis is following in his father’s footsteps – but in a shock twist, the talented halfback has reportedly signed his first professional deal with Sydney Roosters, delivering a hammer blow to Newcastle Knights fans still clinging to their legend’s roots.
Zero Tackle reports Louis has inked a development contract with the Bondi club and will line up in the 2026 Harold Matthews Cup (Under-17s), marking the next chapter in a footballing dynasty that has already seen his cousins Cooper and Jack Johns play in the NRL – though both have since stepped away from professional ranks.
Andrew Johns is synonymous with the Knights, having played 249 games for the Hunter club, led them to grand final wins in 1997 and 2001, and represented NSW 23 times and Australia 26 times. Widely regarded as the greatest player ever to play the game, the Cessnock-born icon’s connection to Newcastle runs deep – but he has confirmed he has long since turned the page.
“I haven’t lived in Newcastle for 18 or 19 years, and I’ve moved on,” Johns said earlier this year on his podcast with Brad Fittler, addressing calls for him to coach the Knights amid Adam O’Brien’s uncertain tenure. “I live in Sydney now for my Channel 9 TV job, I love where I’m living, and I’ll never move back. I haven’t got the personality or patience for coaching – it would be like watching Charlie Sheen come undone.”
Based in Sydney with his family, Louis developed his skills with local club Paddington Colts in the Eastern Suburbs – a key factor in his decision to sign with the Roosters rather than the Knights. The move to one of Newcastle’s arch-rivals will sting for fans who still revere Johns as their greatest ever player, but it reflects the teenager’s own local ties and desire to forge his own path in the red, white and blue.
As a halfback – the same position that made his father a household name – Louis arrives at the Roosters with elite pedigree and growing anticipation about his potential to make his mark on the game.
