by Jon Geddes, Manly Daily, 6 Nov 12
Andrew Johns is a massive off-season recruit for the Sea Eagles
RUGBY League Immortal Andrew Johns is excited about working with Manly’s rising talent following his appointment as specialist coach and club ambassador.
Manly backed a winner on Melbourne Cup day with confirmation that Johns will work exclusively with with the club in 2013.
The signing of the former champion halfback is a huge coup for the Sea Eagles as he is recognised as one of the game’s most astute footballing brains whose expertise is keenly sought by clubs across the board.
“What’s really exciting is working with young players who aspire to become NRL players as well as having an important involvement with the NRL squad,” Johns said.
He has previously spent time working with Sea Eagles halves Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran, an experience he described as “exciting ” and said he was looking forward to helping them mature further.
“They are smart players, with huge potential,” Johns said
“I’m looking forward to working closely with Geoff Toovey, his coaching team and the NRL squad to fine tune certain aspects that hopefully will help continue Manly’s success.”
His permanent part time role will involve working across all grades in conjunction with the coaching staff, running junior clinics, supporting the club’s membership drives and promoting club initiatives.
Toovey said while Johns had helped the club in the past it was great to have him on board now in a more permanent role.
“His technical expertise and knowledge of the game will be invaluable to us,” Toovey said.
Johns will start work with the club later this month.
His appointment comes after the highly-regarded Brad Arthur was named Toovey’s new assistant coach.
“Joey is recognised as one of the greatest rugby league players of all time and to be able to draw on his expertise exclusively will give our club an edge,” said Sea Eagles general manager David Perry.
“He’s highly regarded by our players, staff and the wider NRL community and we’re really looking forward to welcoming a professional of his calibre to our staff.”