Rugby league legend Matty Johns has shared amusing stories from his time during the Super League war and his experiences as a player for the Newcastle Knights. In a recent column for News Corp, Johns revealed some of the challenges he faced and the unforgettable moments that shaped his career.
Johns, now 51, recalled a time in the early 1990s when he was sitting between two of the game’s greatest players, Glenn Lazarus and Ricky Stuart. Feeling intimidated by their stature and rumored high salaries, Johns was asked by Lazarus about the pay scale in Newcastle. Not wanting to disclose his relatively low salary, Johns replied in a diplomatic manner, saying that he was doing alright but refraining from bragging about money. This encounter left Johns humbled and inspired him to approach Knights management for a pay rise.
However, instead of a salary increase, the Knights management offered Johns a company car. Expecting a fancy vehicle, Johns was surprised to be handed the keys to a 1982 Ford Falcon. The car had seen better days, with four bald tires, no antenna, and even a blood stain on the back seat. Six months later, Johns decided to ditch the car and find himself a player manager.
In another fascinating anecdote, Johns revealed how he called on Phil Gould, the ARL negotiator during the Super League war, to assist his teammate Bill Peden. Johns and his younger brother Andrew asked Gould to look after Peden, who was relatively unknown in Newcastle at the time. Much to Peden’s surprise, Gould wrote him a check worth $50,000. Peden went on to achieve great success with the Knights, winning premierships in 1997 and 2001, including scoring a double in the victory against the Eels.
These stories from Johns’ playing days offer a unique insight into the challenges and memorable moments that shaped his rugby league career. From navigating contract negotiations to relying on the support of teammates and management, Johns’ experiences highlight the resilience and determination required to succeed in the sport.
As a well-known rugby league identity, Matty Johns continues to entertain and engage fans with his stories and insights. His ability to combine humor with personal anecdotes provides a refreshing perspective on the behind-the-scenes world of professional rugby league. Whether discussing the Super League war or reminiscing about his time as a player for the Newcastle Knights, Johns’ stories captivate audiences and add depth to the sport’s history.
For fans of the game, these anecdotes offer a glimpse into the reality of the professional rugby league world and the challenges faced by players during pivotal moments in the sport’s history. Matty Johns’ storytelling abilities and charisma shine through in his column, leaving readers entertained and eager for more stories from his illustrious career.
