Andrew Johns

:This article is about the rugby league player. For the triathlete, see Andrew Johns (triathlete).

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Andrew Johns (born May 15, 1974) is an Australian rugby league player, who is often considered as one of the greatest Rugby League players of all time. He usually plays half-back, but has played in other positions at times throughout his career.

Related Topics:
May 15 - 1974 - Rugby league - Half-back

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He was born in Cessnock the son of a coal miner and country rugby league player. After playing junior rugby league in Cessnock, he joined the Newcastle Knights in 1989. He made his first grade debut in 1994 against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, scoring 23 points. He soon formed a partnership with his older brother Matthew, who played at Rugby league positions#Stand-off. He played a pivotal role in the Knights' 1997 ARL grand final against Manly, playing through injury. The partnership was broken in 2000 when salary cap pressures forced Matthew to leave the club and join British club Wigan.

Related Topics:
Cessnock - Newcastle Knights - 1989 - 1994 - South Sydney Rabbitohs - Matthew - Rugby league positions#Stand-off - Manly - British - Wigan

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He would soon become captain of the team, and led the Knights to another grand final win, beating the Parramatta Eels 30-24 in 2001. He was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal for man of the match.

Related Topics:
Parramatta Eels - 2001 - Clive Churchill Medal

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In his career, he has also represented his country at two World Cups, and one Kangaroo tour, playing 17 games for the Australian Kangaroos. He has also played in 23 games for New South Wales in State of Origin, captaining the side to a series win in 2003. He has also played for the Country Origin side in 1995 and 1996.

Related Topics:
World Cups - Kangaroo tour - Australian Kangaroos - New South Wales - State of Origin - 2003 - Country Origin - 1995 - 1996

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He is often considered the best player of his generation, but has been plagued by injury in the past few seasons, often before or during the finals series. He was the target of a massive offer from rugby union in 2004, but decided to stay on with the Knights until 2006 on a two-year deal, which includes a contract with Channel 9 at the end of his career.

Related Topics:
Rugby union - 2004 - 2006 - Channel 9

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He is a life member of the Knights, alongside his brother, Matthew Johns.

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In June 2005 Andrew Johns was been picked to replace injured halfback Trent Barrett in the New South Wales State of Origin squad, returning from a series of injuries that have sidelined him for a number of weeks. Johns went on to play the game, receiving man of the match honours. He also went on to play in deciding third game of the series. He played a major role in New South Wales victory in the match.

Related Topics:
June - 2005 - Trent Barrett - New South Wales - State of Origin

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In August 2005, it was announced that Johns would be joining the English side Warrington Wolves on a short-term deal, playing in the final two games of the regular Super League and any playoff games the Wolves might get to. The Knights first made him sign a new contract, making him available to captain the team until the end of 2008.

Related Topics:
August - English - Warrington Wolves - Super League

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An accomplished goal-kicker, he has scored the 4th most points in NSWRL/ARL/SL/NRL history, behind Jason Taylor, Daryl Halligan, and Mick Cronin.

Related Topics:
Most points - NSWRL - ARL - SL - NRL - Jason Taylor - Daryl Halligan - Mick Cronin

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