Newcastle’s best ever player Andrew Johns is set to return to the steel city in a coaching consultant role with the Knights.
The club announced the coup this evening, only hours after reports emerged Johns had left his role with Parramatta, where he had been working with the Eels halves.
Johns is yet to sign the deal but is expected to.
Johns led the Knights to the 1997 and 2001 premierships and played 249 games for the club. He is regarded by many pundits as the greatest rugby league player of all time.
“Having Andrew join the staff is a significant moment in the history of our club,” Knights boss Phil Gardner said.
“His rugby league knowledge is unmatched anywhere in the world and he will be an excellent addition to the team.
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“Joey’s return marks the beginning of an incredibly exciting period in our club’s history and we can’t wait to see him get to work.”
Johns has also helped NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler in recent campaigns, as well as his work with Channel Nine.
Newcastle has played finals the past two years but been bundled out of the post-season in one game on both occasions.
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The timing of Johns’ return to the Hunter is intriguing given the club looks poised to lose experienced halfback Mitchell Pearce before next season commences.
The younger halves – like Jake Clifford, Adam Clune, and Phoenix Crossland – would relish having the eighth Immortal on standby for advice and coaching.
The Knights are expected to make more staff announcements in the coming weeks.
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