Rugby league icons: Andrew Johns
Upon his retirement in 2007 due to a bulging disc in his neck, a chorus of league greats called for Andrew Johns to be immediately honoured as an immortal of the game. In the preceding 13 years, the Cessnock junior had revolutionised the game like few others before him. His passing and kicking games became the benchmark for which all other halfbacks are judged.
Johns celebrates with Newcastle fans after their upset win in the 1997 grand final.
Johns attempts to speed away from Queensland front-rower Martin Lang in 1999.
Johns gets a pass away against Melbourne in 2005.
Johns celebrates with Wendell Sailor as Australia claim the 2000 World Cup.
Knights captain Paul Harragon and Andrew Johns after the memorable 1997 grand final triumph over Manly.
Johns tries to tame a few Tigers in 1995.
Johns attempts a conversion from the sideline at Suncorp Stadium. Over 23 Tests for Australia he scored 9 tries and kicked 66 goals for a tally of 168 points.
Johns with fellow Knights stalwarts Bill Peden and brother Matthew.
Johns grimaces during an Origin camp with the Blues.
Andrew Johns played 26 Tests for Australia.
Andrew Johns tormented the Eels in the 2001 decider.
Andrew Johns races upfield for NSW. Over his entire career Johns made 23 appearances for the Blues.
Johns tries to shrug off Shaun Berrigan during his man of the match performance in Origin II in 2005.
Andrew Johns kicks a goal for the Knights in 2006.
Johns fires up his NSW teammates during the 2003 series.
Johns gets a flick pass away despite the presence of a North Queensland defender in 2004.
"Joey" races away from the Kiwis in 2004. Johns was so versatile and tough that he was also sometimes used as a dummy half.
Johns in action for his beloved Knights against Melbourne with a young Cameron Smith lurking in defence in 2005.
Blues halves Cody Walker and Nathan Cleary with assistant coach Andrew Johns in 2019.
Johns attempts a field goal in a match against Manly in 2005.
Johns with Newcastle teammates Danny Buderus, Matt Gidley and Timana Tahu in the NSW sheds in 2003.
Anthony Minichiello and Andrew Johns are all smiles after Game Two of the 2005 Origin series.
Johns bamboozles the Sharks in 1999.

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.