Andrew Johns
Overview
Andrew Johns is widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby league players of all time. The eighth Immortal of the game, he led the Newcastle Knights to two premierships, captained New South Wales and Australia, and won three Dally M Medals. Today he is one of rugby league’s best-known voices through his media work with the Nine Network, and he shares his insights on leadership, performance and teamwork.
Who is Andrew Johns?
Born in Cessnock in the NSW Hunter region, Andrew Johns came through the junior ranks at Kurri Kurri and made his first-grade debut for the Newcastle Knights in 1993. He went on to play all 249 of his premiership games for the club. In the 1997 Grand Final he set up Darren Albert’s match-winning try in the final seconds, despite playing with fractured ribs. In 2001 he captained the Knights to their second premiership and won the Clive Churchill Medal as man of the match.
He played 23 State of Origin games for New South Wales, captaining the Blues, and represented Australia at two World Cups and on the 2001 Kangaroo tour, also captaining his country. He won the Dally M Medal in 1998, 1999 and 2002, was named Dally M Halfback of the Year four times, and won the Golden Boot as the world’s best player in 1999 and 2001. When a neck injury forced his retirement in 2007, he was the highest point scorer in Australian first-grade premiership history with 2,176 points.
In 2008 he was named in the Australian Rugby League Team of the Century, and in 2012 he became the eighth Rugby League Immortal. Since retiring he has become one of the game’s most respected analysts with the Nine Network. He co-hosts Freddy & the Eighth alongside fellow NSW great Brad Fittler.
Career highlights
Eighth Rugby League Immortal (2012)
Two premierships with the Newcastle Knights (1997, 2001), including 2001 as captain
Clive Churchill Medal (2001)
Dally M Medal (1998, 1999, 2002)
Dally M Halfback of the Year (1995, 1998, 1999, 2002)
Golden Boot as the world’s best player (1999, 2001)
23 State of Origin games for New South Wales, including as captain
Captain of Australia, two World Cup campaigns and the 2001 Kangaroo tour
Retired as the highest point scorer in Australian premiership history (2,176 points)
Australian Rugby League Team of the Century (2008)
Nine Network commentator and co-host of Freddy & the Eighth
Key speaking themes
Leadership and captaincy
Performing under pressure on the biggest stage
Teamwork and building a winning culture
Resilience and dealing with setbacks
What it takes to be the best
Ideal for
Leadership and CEO conferences
Sales kick-offs and team offsites
Sports and community events
Corporate hospitality and rugby league functions
Regional business events
Awards nights and gala dinners
Frequently asked questions
What does Andrew Johns speak about?
Andrew Johns speaks about leadership, teamwork, performing under pressure and resilience.
Why is Andrew Johns an Immortal?
Andrew Johns was named the eighth Rugby League Immortal in 2012 in recognition of a career that included two premierships, three Dally M Medals and two Golden Boot awards.
How many Dally M Medals did Andrew Johns win?
Andrew Johns won three Dally M Medals, in 1998, 1999 and 2002.
What does Andrew Johns do now?
Andrew Johns is a rugby league commentator and analyst with the Nine Network and co-hosts Freddy & the Eighth with Brad Fittler.
How do I book Andrew Johns as a speaker?
Andrew Johns is available to book through Essential Talent. Call 0508 825 368 or use the enquiry form on this page.