Andrew Johns admitted he was nervous ahead of Newcastle’s first grand final in 25 years, despite having the option to step away from his commentary duties and watch the match as a supporter.
Johns, who led the Knights to premierships in 1997 and 2001, chose to work for Nine at Accor Stadium on Sunday night. He said former Melbourne captain Cameron Smith would be nearby if the occasion became overwhelming.
“Nine gave me the option, but Cam Smith will be near me, and I told him if I need to go and have a breakdown, he’ll be there,” Johns said before the match.
“It’s my job, and I want to do my job. But I am nervous. I don’t think I’ve been this nervous since I made my debut as a player. I think it’s because I’ve got no control [over the result].”
The Newcastle great now lives in Bronte, in the heart of Sydney Roosters territory, and received a light-hearted reminder of the rivalry before setting off for the stadium.
A group of Roosters supporters blocked his car outside the home of his friend Rob Bruns, who runs the Bronte Boardriders. Bruns had put up a banner reading: “Get Back To Newy Joey You Blow-In”.
“My son Louis must have told them when I was leaving; they blocked the road and started shaking my car,” Johns said. “I was like, ‘can you leave me alone’. It was all fun and games.”
Louis is a Newcastle supporter but is also in the Roosters system and is playing in the SG Ball competition this year. Johns said his son was not conflicted about his allegiance.
“He’s a Knights fan, but he’s in the Roosters system – he’s in the SG Ball this year. But he’s not torn [when it comes to who he follows]. He never will be.”
