'Shocked' Johns forced to retire due to neck injury

The 32-year-old Australian, arguably the best player in the world over the past ten years, aggravated an old neck injury in a training ground collision in New South Wales last week.

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Legend: Johns played a club record 249 first grade games for the Knights and was a member of the Kangaroos' 1995 and 2000 World Cup-winning teams

Scans showed the possibility of a catastrophic' spinal injury if he decided to play again.

"I am still in shock," Johns said yesterday after announcing his retirement a month ahead of his 33rd birthday.

"It was really tough telling my family. I made an emotional call to my brother Matthew but it was even tougher telling the Newcastle Knights players."

Johns, nick-named Joey', had hoped to finish his career with a season in Super League with Warrington Wolves.

He was winding down his NRL career with Newcastle and had already agreed to come to England in October to play as a guest for New Zealand in an All Golds' centenary game against Great Britain at Warrington.

His premature retirement has caused shock waves wherever the game is played world-wide.

Johns, who set Super League alight when he had a brief loan spell with Warrington two seasons ago, said: "My neck has been sore for a couple of weeks anyway and I am just thankful I haven't suffered a really serious injury and ended up in a wheelchair.

"This could have happened when I was 19 not 32 so I have been very lucky to achieve so much in the game. My career has been a fairy-tale."

Johns, who has a history of neck injuries, played a club record 249 first-grade games for the Knights as well as 23 State of Origin games for New South Wales and 21 tests for Australia.

He was a member of Australia's 1995 and 2000 World Cup-winning squads in England.

NRL chief executive David Gallop said: "For 15 years he has been a colossal figure in our game."

And Australia Rugby League chairman Colin Love said: "Joey was one of the greatest to play the game. It was a privilege to watch him."   RFL executive chairman Richard Lewis paid his own tribute, saying: "Andrew was without doubt one of rugby league's greatest-ever players and we are sorry to hear he has been compelled to retire. He has made a magnificent contribution to international rugby league and his spell with Warrington left many people with great memories.

"It is unfortunate he will not be able to take up the NZRL's invitation to play for the 'All Golds' during this autumn's Kiwi tour but we would like to wish him all the best for the future."

Warrington must feel they are jinxed. They have already suffered more injuries than any other Super League club so far this season and may have ten senior players out of action for their home game against Leeds Rhinos on Sunday.

Skipper Lee Briers, scrum half Chris Bridge and second rower Vinny Anderson were all hurt in Monday's home defeat by Huddersfield Giants.