Matthew Johns’ management team wouldn’t rule out the possibility of the fallen media personality making a run at the vacant Newcastle coaching job.
Speculation surfaced on Monday that Johns was considering applying for the post following Brian Smith’s decision to walk out on the final year of his deal to link up with the Sydney Roosters.
“Matthew is keeping his career options open,” was all manager John Fordham would say when asked if Johns was contemplating applying for the role.
Johns was suspended indefinitely by the Nine Network in May following the airing of a report detailing his involvement in the group sex scandal which occurred during Cronulla’s 2002 pre-season trip to New Zealand.
He had juggled his media commitments with coaching roles at various NRL clubs – the most notable of which was his regular consultancy role with Melbourne.
That role was also discontinued in May, though Johns had received plenty of praise for his coaching nous.
Johns is one of the Knights’ favourite sons, with many in the region still upset at the way he was squeezed out of the club due to salary cap restraints in 2000 after 176 games in the red and blue.
“He’s loved by everybody at Newcastle, he’s been an integral part of our club for a long time,” Knights chief executive Steve Burraston told the Nine Network.
“I’m not sure if he wants to do it, but I’m sure he would be a strong contender.”
Asked if the sex scandal would impact on Johns’s chances of getting the job, Burraston said: “I think that we’re talking about something that happened seven years ago.
“I don’t think it’s a public matter, I think it’s something for him and his family to work out.
“I think we’re well beyond that.”
Richard Brockhurst
Guest
Judging by his past I think Matthew has been looking for something to fullfill him. He obviously loves RL and his beloved Knights, who are playing good football. Coaching might just be what the doctor ordered.
Mushi
Guest
I think it is often under estimated how it is much harder and completely different it is to playing. Being a player who could read the game doesn’t make you a coach. It’s like thinking a guy who is one of the best workers down a mine is suited to run BHP. Even success at being a skills coach is a bit deceiving as you just focus on one thing you yourself were already proficient at. I think these guys need to serve a few years in a lower grade just so they know how to put together a training plan that focuses not only on building skills but also putting in place building blocks that are seemingly left field on Tuesday but grow into a game plan by Sunday.
Benny
Guest
Johns works well as part of a team...
DogsOfWar
Roar Rookie
Geez you would think the Knights would have a look at clubs like the Roosters who appointed Fittler when he hadn't done the hard yards in the lower grades coaching a team. I think if the Knights appoint Matt Johns, they are doomed to failure.